2023-11-14 05:07:46
Myth 1: Diabetes is no longer dangerous these days
Although diabetes can be easily treated, according to the Federal Statistical Office (BFS) in 2021 a total of 570 men and 525 women died as a result of diabetes mellitus. If left untreated, the disease destroys the blood vessels in the long term and the risk of a stroke and heart attack also increases.
Diabetes mellitus
There are three types of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas does not produce blood sugar-reducing insulin. Patients therefore need insulin for life.
In type 2 diabetes, the functionality of the pancreas is restricted. One reason for this can be being overweight. This type of diabetes is the most common form of diabetes mellitus. This type can be reversed through weight loss, diet changes and exercise. However, the predisposition to this disease remains and can come back at any time.
Diabetes during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. However, after birth, blood sugar levels are usually within normal limits. Obesity is particularly considered a risk factor if the pregnant woman is over 30 years old and has a hereditary history of diabetes mellitus. After gestational diabetes, patients have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus after 10 to 20 years. This risk can be reduced through regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
Those: Aarau Cantonal Hospital.
Myth 2: People with diabetes are not allowed to eat sweets
Of course, the sweet treat is also part of it if you are a diabetic. As with everything, it’s a question of measure. Normal table sugar is one of the “fast carbohydrates”. This means that it does not have to be broken down during digestion, but rather quickly enters the blood. Accordingly, blood sugar shoots up quickly. As a result, diabetics have to use more insulin at meals.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that regulates the uptake of glucose into the body’s cells. Because insulin is broken down in the stomach, it cannot be taken in the form of tablets or capsules. The hormone is administered through an injection under the skin or through insulin pumps.
Source: Swiss Health Observatory.
Myth 3: Only overweight people get diabetes
Although being overweight increases the risk of diabetes, this does not mean that only overweight people develop diabetes. Researchers have carried out a systematic review of existing studies and evaluated them in a meta-analysis. For this purpose, the data from around 3.4 million study participants from 22 countries were summarized. The participants did not have type 2 diabetes at the start of the study. The evaluation showed that there were 10.5 newly diagnosed overweight people per 1,000 person-years. Among people of normal weight, there were at least 2.7 new cases per 1,000 person-years.
Myth 4: All diabetics have to inject insulin
According to the Hirslanden Clinic Type 2 sufferers often do not need to inject insulin at all, at least in the early stages of the disease. Blood sugar-lowering medications are often enough to reduce elevated blood sugar levels.
The situation is different for those affected by type 1. Since this is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own defense cells turn against the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, those affected must de facto inject insulin for life. Nowadays this is usually done with small insulin pumps that are implanted under the skin. These are able to continuously measure blood sugar levels and autonomously release the appropriate amount of insulin into the fatty tissue under the skin.
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Myth 5: People with diabetes should exercise less
As the Swiss Diabetes Society writes, physical activity has a positive influence on blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of secondary diseases. People with type 1 can basically do any sport they like. However, blood sugar levels should still be monitored.
Exercise increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and therefore sometimes requires a significant reduction in the insulin dose in order to avoid hypoglycemia. There are also several top athletes with type 1 diabetes. Examples include bodybuilder Natalie Friedli and professional ice hockey player Jan Neuenschwander from the GCK Lions.
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