09/11/2022
November 14th 2022 is World Diabetes Day! In honour of this, Randox Health are here to tackle common Diabetes Myths. Knowing the facts is important when it comes to managing the condition, there is a lot of information out there but it can be difficult to know what is fact and what is not.
Diabetes is a condition where your body’s glucose levels are too high. This can happen when your body doesn’t produce the required amount of insulin, when the insulin the body does produce is not fit for purpose, or when your body can stop producing insulin entirely.
Diabetes Myths: There is only one type of Diabetes
There are two main types of Diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 Diabetes is when your body fails to produce insulin entirely. We all need insulin to survive as it completes the essential job of allowing glucose to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. There is no known cause or cure for Type 1 Diabetes. About 8% of people with Diabetes have type 1. It is a serious and lifelong condition.
Type 2 Diabetes is when the insulin you produce doesn’t work effectively or you cannot make enough of it. Around 90% of people with Diabetes have type 2. It is a serious condition and can be lifelong in certain cases. The causes of type 2 are vast including lifestyle, diet and medical history.
Diabetes Myths: Diabetes has no known symptoms
There are a range of symptoms to be aware of. The easiest way to remember some of the most common is the 4T’S:
Toilet – Frequent Urination
Thinness – The body can experience unexplained weight loss
Thirst – Extreme Thirst
Tiredness – Extreme Fatigue
Diabetes Myths: Diabetes can weaken your immune system
A diabetes diagnosis can bring a list of complications in the future. These complications can include eye problems, foot problems, heart attacks, kidney problems and nerve damage to name a few. These complications arise from prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Myths: All people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight
While obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, its not the only one. Genetics and ethnicity can also play a role.
Keeping track of your blood sugars, blood pressure and fats can help to reduce your chances of developing these complications. These small changes can give you the power to ‘own’ your health.