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Debunked diabetes myths

In Australia 1.2 million people are living with a type of diabetes. Yet many myths and misunderstandings still surround the complex condition. Find out the top 4 diabetes myths.

5 Dec 2016

12 December 2016

For such a prevalent condition many myths and misunderstandings still surround diabetes. 

MYTH: Only children get type 1 diabetes.

TRUTH: Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. It used to be called ‘juvenile’ diabetes as diagnosis is more common in people under 30 years. However people of all ages can get type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The pancreas produces insulin which allows glucose from the food we eat to pass from our blood stream into our cells for energy. However due to an unknown trigger, the immune system begins to destroy the cells that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and there is no cure. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin replacement therapy, either by injection or pump to survive. Learn more about type 1 diabetes.

MYTH: Only overweight people get type 2 diabetes.

TRUTH: There is no single cause of type 2 diabetes, but there are many risk factors. Being overweight (especially around the middle) is one lifestyle risk factor that can be modified to reduce your risk. Others include:

  • A sedentary lifestyle with little exercise
  • Smoking

People with type 2 diabetes often deal with the stigma that they ‘bought it on themselves.’ However there are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes which we have no control over. They include:

  • A family history of diabetes
  • Being over 40 years
  • Being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent
  • Being of Pacific Island, Indian or Chinese decent
  • Having had gestational diabetes in the past or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

MYTH: Type 2 diabetes isn’t serious.

TRUTH: All types of diabetes are very serious. As Fleur Martin, Diabetes Educator at St John of God Warrnambool Hospital explains, “type 2 diabetes is not just ‘a touch of sugar’ or ‘mild diabetes’. Unfortunately type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed late, and by that point diabetes related complications such as kidney or eye damage are present.”

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in which the pancreas produces too little insulin, or the insulin that it does produce is ineffective. The onset of type 2 diabetes can be slower than type 1 diabetes which is often very sudden. This may lead some people to believe that it is ‘mild’ or nothing to worry about. All types of diabetes are serious and can lead to long-term complications if not well managed. Some of these complications include blindness, amputations, heart disease, kidney disease and more. Learn more about type 2 diabetes.

MYTH: People with type 1 diabetes can’t eat sugar.

TRUTH: Small amounts of sugar in moderation can be part of a healthy balanced diet. In fact, in the event of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) sugar is life-saving for people with type 1 diabetes.

Fleur Martin says, "there is no such thing as a diabetes diet. People with diabetes are encouraged to eat healthily and enjoy a wide range of food, just like the general population. People with type 1 diabetes are able to manage their food intake and adjust their insulin as required."