2023-11-07 18:22:17
“Diabetes can be confusing, but we are committed to helping you understand the facts regarding diabetes,” says the American Diabetes Association. She adds: “Diabetes is a serious disease, and it causes more deaths every year, and having it almost doubles your chance of having a heart attack. The good news is that managing your diabetes can reduce your risk of developing diabetes complications.”
Delusions of dealing with diabetes
There are several incorrect myths regarding a patient dealing with diabetes. Lack of clarity with the patient hinders his success in achieving the best treatment for this disease, and prevents its repercussions and complications.
Here are 5 of them:
1. Eating sugar causes diabetes: One of the most famous myths regarding diabetes, especially in terms of the causes of its occurrence, is the belief that eating sugar causes diabetes.
The truth is that eating sugar does not directly cause diabetes, but following a diet rich in sugary carbohydrates, including sweet sugar, can lead to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Perhaps the reason why some people believe that eating sugar is the cause of diabetes is because the two names are linked together. Perhaps it is that one of the main manifestations of diabetes is high blood sugar. But what medical sources confirm is that eating sugar in itself is not a direct causal factor in developing diabetes.
It is known that sugar is consumed in several types of food and drinks. But here is a clarification regarding sugary drinks. Therefore, the American Diabetes Association answers the question: “Do sugary drinks cause diabetes?”, saying: “The answer: Research has also shown that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people avoid drinking sugar-sweetened beverages.” And switch to water whenever possible, to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Sugary drinks also raise blood glucose levels, and can deliver several hundred calories to the body in just one serving. Just one 12-ounce (350 millilitre) can of a regular soft drink contains regarding 150 calories and 40 grams of sugar, which is the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar.
To practically document what she meant by “sugar-sweetened beverages,” she said: “Sugar-sweetened beverages include: regular soft drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, sweet tea, sweetened coffee, and other sugary drinks.”
Obesity and genetic factors
2. Obesity is the only cause of diabetes: Here some people are confused regarding the relationship between obesity and diabetes, especially with the level of medical advice regarding preventing diabetes through weight loss. The problem is not for those who are overweight; Rather, those who have a normal weight and believe that they are outside the range of possibilities for developing diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association explains: “Being overweight is a risk factor for developing diabetes, but other risk factors, such as the amount of physical activity you engage in, family history, race, and age, also play a role. “Unfortunately, many people think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but many people with type 2 diabetes are of normal weight, or are moderately overweight.”
Also, just because no one in a person’s family has diabetes, does not mean that he will never develop the disease.
It is true that having a parent or sibling with diabetes increases the risk of developing diabetes. But in reality, there are many diabetics who do not have close family members with diabetes. To clarify: Lifestyle choices and certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These include being overweight or obese, polycystic ovary disease, gestational diabetes, or being 45 years or older. You can help reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising most days of the week, and eating a healthy diet.
Types of foods and diabetics
3. A diabetic patient needs to eat special foods: This illusion leaves many diabetics in a state of confusion, unable to understand that it is very easy to control blood sugar levels and avoid the repercussions and complications of diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association says to a diabetic patient regarding this matter: “No, you do not need special food. Foods that make special claims to be diabetes-friendly may still raise blood glucose levels, be more expensive, and/or contain sugar alcohols (sugar substitutes) that can have a laxative effect.” “A healthy meal plan for diabetics is generally the same as healthy eating for anyone,” she explains as a practical application. In fact, there are many different eating plans that can help you manage diabetes. “In general, a healthy diabetes eating plan will include plenty of non-starchy vegetables, limit added sugars, replace refined grains with whole (unpeeled) grains, and prioritize whole (and natural) foods over highly processed foods when possible.”
The British Heart Foundation says: “Foods such as chocolate, cakes and biscuits marketed to people with diabetes may be sugar-free, but that does not make them a good choice. They are often high in saturated fats and calories, and the sweetening compounds used can have a laxative effect if too much is consumed. These products also often come at higher prices. “It’s better to save your money and get small quantities of standard products occasionally instead.”
4. A diabetic patient should not eat starches and sugars: In answer to the question: If you have diabetes, can you eat starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes, and pasta? “Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key,” says the American Diabetes Association. These foods tend to contain more carbohydrates, and eating them will raise your blood glucose. There is no evidence to suggest that people with diabetes need to avoid sugars and carbohydrates, although some people choose eating plans that avoid them. In fact, evidence suggests that including the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein and fat can help manage blood glucose. “Working with your health care team can help you find the right balance for you.”
It also answers the question: Can a diabetic eat sweets or chocolate? “If sweets are eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, diabetics can eat them,” she said. The key to dessert is to have a very small portion of it, and save it for special occasions, so that you focus your meals on healthy foods. “Working with a registered dietitian or diabetes care and education specialist will help you determine an individualized meal plan that takes into account your goals, as well as your likes and dislikes.”
5. Starting to receive insulin means the patient has failed to control diabetes. Some also believe that the doctor’s prescription to begin treating diabetes by receiving insulin injections also means that the disease has reached advanced stages, otherwise the doctor would not have prescribed insulin. Both are incorrect. The American Diabetes Association says: “Using insulin to bring blood glucose levels to a healthy level is a good thing, not a bad thing.” Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes can maintain blood glucose at a healthy level through a combination of meal planning, physical activity and taking oral medications. “But over time, the body gradually produces less insulin, and eventually, oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range.”
When is a diabetes test performed?
The American Diabetes Association has provided guidelines for screening. It is recommended that the following people get tested for diabetes:
– Anyone with a BMI over 25, regardless of age, who has additional risk factors. These risk factors include high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels, a sedentary lifestyle, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome, or heart disease, as well as having relatives with diabetes.
Anyone over the age of 35 is advised to undergo an initial blood sugar test. If the results appear normal, he must conduct this examination every 3 years therefollowing.
Any woman with gestational diabetes is advised to undergo diabetes screening every 3 years.
Anyone diagnosed with prediabetes is advised to get tested every year.
Illusions among people of normal weight…they believe that they are outside the range of possibilities for developing diabetes
From the Mayo Clinic… Steps to prevent diabetes
“Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented,” the Mayo Clinic says. “But healthy lifestyle choices that help treat prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes may also help prevent these diseases.” These options include:
– Eat healthy foods: Choose foods that are low in fat and calories and rich in fiber. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eat a variety of foods to avoid feeling bored.
– Practice more physical activity: Make sure to engage in moderate aerobic activity for approximately 30 minutes every day, during most days of the week. Or make your goal to engage in moderate aerobic activity for 150 minutes per week. For example, take a quick walk daily. If a long workout isn’t for you, break your workout into shorter periods throughout the day.
– Getting rid of excess weight: If you are overweight, you can reduce your risk of diabetes by losing 7 percent of your body weight. To keep your weight within a healthy range, focus on making long-term changes in your eating and exercise habits. Remember the benefits of losing weight, such as maintaining a healthy heart, having more energy, and enhancing self-satisfaction.
* Consultant in internal medicine
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