Debunking Diabetes Myths.

New Information From the American Diabetes Foundation Puts Fact Over Fiction.

If you've just been diagnosed with diabetes, it may be difficult to separate fact from fiction, since the disease comes with many preconceived notions and fixed ideas.

The American Diabetes Association has recently issued a statement which debunks some popular myths about the disease:

• You can't "catch" diabetes from someone else. That is, it is not a disease that is contagious.
• Dessert isn't restricted forever for all diabetic individuals.  Occasional desserts are acceptible, particularly if the diabetic individual exercises regularly and eats an otherwise healthy diet.   Obviously, frequent or excessive eating of sugar-laden foods is not a sensible idea. 
• Eating excessive amounts of sugary foods can't "cause" diabetes. The disease stems from genetic and lifestyle factors.
• Carbohydrates and starches (bread, potatoes, pasta) aren't off-limits, but sensible portion sizes are important.  Recent recommendations are to opt for wheat/whole grain breads and pastas, while substituting sweet potatoes for white potatoes.
• Diabetics are NOT more susceptible to colds and other illnesses.  However, research does indicate that certain problems do occur more frequently in diabetics (e.g. "frozen shoulder") and sometimes healing rates are slower.
• Insulin doesn't cause hardening of the arteries or high blood pressure.
• Fruit, while healthy, should not be consumed in large amounts by diabetics, since it contains carbohydrates.

While there are other associated problems that do accompany diabetes, management of the condition is successful when you have a good game plan with your physician and you, the patient, remain compliant with your lifestyle habits.