American Diabetes Association Debunks Certain Myths Associated with Diabetes

In 2014 the global prevalence of diabetes was estimated to be 9% among adults aged above 18 years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death in 2030. However, healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association provides some facts about diabetes to create awareness among people.

Myth You can catch diabetes from someone else.
Fact: No. Diabetes is not contagious. It can’t be caught like a cold or flu.

Myth Only old people can get diabetes.
Fact: As you get older, your risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease goes up. Though there’s nothing you can do about getting older, you can take steps to eat healthy and manage your weight.

Myth Only African-Americans get diabetes.
Fact: All races/ethnicity are affected by this disease.

Myth If you eat too much sugar, you’ll get diabetes.
Fact: Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics factors and Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.

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Myth Only overweight or obese people get diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role.

Myth Diabetics must eat special diabetic foods.
Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy diet for anyone. Low in saturated and trans fat, moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fruit.

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Source-Medindia