Here are some less known facts about diabetes and diabetes management that you may not know about:
1. Having a Sweet Tooth Doesn’t Cause Diabetes
Merely having a sweet tooth or eating “too much” sugar, doesn’t cause diabetes in a healthy person. Your risk of diabetes increases due to many interrelated factors. Diabetes is a disease associated with other factors such as being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle and having unhealthy eating habits, including a high intake of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans fats. The risk of diabetes further increases for someone who has an immediate family member with diabetes.
2. Diabetes Is a Lifelong Deal
Diabetes, once developed, is a lifelong condition. While it can’t be cured completely, it can be managed. With proper diabetes management, including medications and lifestyle modifications, you can lead a normal and fulfilling life.
3. Diabetes Can Affect People of Any Age or Lifestyle
Although being overweight and having an unhealthy lifestyle makes you more prone to diabetes, lean people can also face the condition. Similarly, diabetes is not restricted to the older age group. In fact, three-fourths of the people with diabetes belong to the working-age group. Many children and adolescents have type 1 diabetes, too.
4. People With Diabetes May Not Need to Restrict All Sugar
It’s a common notion that having diabetes and getting started on treatment means you have to refrain from absolutely all sweets. However, with well-controlled blood glucose levels and regular exercise, it’s generally safe to have a sweet once in a while. The key is not to indulge and to keep your portion size small. Save the sweet treat for special occasions.
5. Adequate Diabetes Management Can Prevent Foot and Leg Complications
Foot-related problems in diabetes occur due to poor blood circulation, damage to the nerves and slower healing. Proper diabetes care and regular inspection of your feet can help to avoid such problems, so consult your doctor as soon as you notice any problem.
6. Insulin May Be Necessary Anyway
Despite being particular about your medications, diet, and exercise, your blood glucose levels may be high and your doctor may tell you to start taking insulin. The disease that was initially manageable with diet and exercise may ultimately need insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level. The key is to keep your blood glucose levels in a normal range, be it with lifestyle or insulin, and one does not mean failure over another.
