Dispelling the Myths:
The First Step To Building Good Habits
Diabetes is often
misunderstood. The myths that surround the disease range from how it is
acquired to how it is managed. Dispelling these myths and knowing the facts
are important to understanding and controlling the disease. But before you
can start building good habits to help manage your diabetes, first you have
to banish the myths.
Myth: Diabetes isn't a serious disease.
While AIDS and cancer receive constant media
and financial attention, the prevalence of diabetes continues to increase.
According to the World Health Organization, over 140 million people
worldwide live with diabetes, and that number is estimated to double to 300
million in the next 25 years. In many countries, diabetes is now the fourth
leading cause of death, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
Despite the increased prevalence of diabetes,
many people do not consider it a serious disease. While diabetes is not
going to disappear, with proper monitoring of diet, exercise and blood
glucose levels, life-threatening complications can be delayed and even
prevented.
Myth: Diabetes can't be controlled.
On the contrary, reports such as the US
Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) have shown that tightly
controlling blood glucose levels can slow or prevent the development of
diabetic complications in people with type 1 diabetes. In addition, recent
reports from the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), show
that by good blood glucose control people with type 2 diabetes can reduce
their risks of developing blindness, kidney failure, heart failure and
stroke. UKPDS, started in 1977, is the longest and largest study of people
with type 2 diabetes and was conducted to see if any health improvements
could be gained by intensively maintaining good blood glucose control and
blood pressure levels.
Myth: People with diabetes should take it
easy and avoid being overactive.
For an estimated 140 million people worldwide
living with diabetes, being healthy not only means watching their diet, but
also exercising regularly. Exercise helps by lowering the blood glucose
levels. Before starting an exercise program, talk to a doctor. Once you
begin a program, remember to test your blood glucose levels before, during
and after exercise. According to the American Diabetes Association, the safe
pre-workout blood glucose range for most people is from 100 to 250 mg/dL
(5.6 - 13.9 mmol/L). If your blood glucose level is below this range, it is
a good idea to have a snack before exercising. If it is between 100 to 150
mg/dL (5.6 - 8.3 mmol/L) be prepared to snack while exercising.
Myth: People with diabetes can tell if
their blood glucose level is high or low based on how they feel.
No matter if you have had diabetes for 10
months or 10 years, it is still important to test blood glucose levels
regularly. People who have lived with diabetes for several years may know
the classic symptoms of hypo- or hyperglycemia, but a blood glucose test is
always the best way to know your blood glucose levels.
Classic symptoms of low blood glucose levels
(hypoglycemia) are rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shaking. The sypmtoms of
high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) are not as obvious, but include
increased thirst, urination and a blurry vision. You can only know by
testing your blood glucose levels. If any of these symptoms occur, test your
blood glucose level and follow-up with a call to your doctor.
Myth: People with diabetes can never eat
sugar.
In the past, it was believed that sugars were
directly related to high blood glucose levels. However, studies in the 1980s
showed that starchy foods can raise blood glucose levels as much as sugary
foods. As a result, it is recommended that people with diabetes count the
total amount of carbohydrates in their diet rather than just limit the
amount of simple sugars. How can you tell when you are beyond your limit?
Routine testing of your blood glucose levels is a good way to measure and
adjust your diet to meet your needs.
Moving beyond the myths and building good
habits.
Once you understand the myths, focus on
understanding how diabetes affects your body. How can you better understand
your diabetes?
- Routinely test and
record your levels; testing can be the best resource when trying to
understand your highs and lows.
- Practice good health
habits; try to monitor your weight and eat a well-balanced diet.
- Keep your blood glucose
levels close to normal, exercise regularly.
- Check your feet for cuts
or blisters.
- Keep your doctors
appointments.
Building good habits today is the key to
leading a healthy and active lifestyle tomorrow, and for many years to come.
