There is a great deal of misinformation surrounding diabetes and here we consider 7 often heard diabetes myths: � People suffering from diabetes must eat a special diabetic diet. So called 'Diabetic' versions of some foods that are commonly sold in health food stores are nothing more than a simple marketing ploy. People with diabetes should merely eat a normal balanced diet that is low in fat and that contains only moderate levels of both suager and salt. � Taking insulin can lead to high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. Early tests lead to the suggestion that insulin may play a part in triggering processes associated with the development of hardened arteries but this has proved to be incorrect and there is no evidence that insulin causes either high blood pressure or hardened arteries. � Consuming excessive sugar can lead to diabetes. Despite the fact that the reasons for diabetes are not completely understood, it is known that excess sugar consumption is not one of them. This said, eating too much sugar could well lead to an individual gaining weight, which is most certainly a factor in raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is however not the sugar but the increase in weight that may trigger diabetes. � People with diabetes are prone to flu and colds. There is no evidence to demonstrate that people with diabetes are any more likely than anybody else to catch a cold or flu. Diabetics ought to however do their best to avoid such illnesses (for example by having an annual flu shot) as illnesses of this type can interfere with levels of blood sugar, and therefore make managing diabetes that much more difficult. � Diabetics cannot eat candy or chocolate. There is absolutely no reason why diabetics should not eat candy and chocolate, and indeed cakes and sweet desserts, as along as these are consumed in reasonable small quantities and are only one element of a normal and healthy diet plan. � People with diabetes should eat only very small amounts of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates, which are found in a variety of foods including bread, beans, cereals, pasta and rice and from which the body gets much of the glucose needed for energy, are an important element of our diet, whether we are diabetic or not. They also contain much of our essential fiber intake. The secret for diabetes sufferers is simply to ensure that you balance carbohydrates with other foods and that portions are kept to a reasonable size. � Diabetes is a contagious condition. This is not the case. It is believed however that individuals with diabetes have a genetic predisposition for the disease and that it may be triggered by such things as viruses and drugs, including antibiotics. It is possible therefore that contracting a common illness, or treating such illnesses with antibiotics, might lead to diabetes. The list of myths which are associated with diabetes goes on and on, but the 7 myths listed here are without doubt the most often heard and, before long, will hopefully be liad firmly to rest.
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