8 Common Type 1 Diabetes Myths
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the body’s inability to produce insulin. Despite its prevalence, there are numerous misconceptions and Common Type 1 Diabetes Myths surrounding this condition. These misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings, stigma, and challenges for individuals living with type 1 diabetes. This blog post aims to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding type 1 diabetes, providing accurate information and fostering a better understanding of this condition. By dispelling these myths, we can promote empathy, support, and awareness for those affected by type 1 diabetes. Let’s separate fact from fiction and shed light on the truth about type 1 diabetes.
Myth 1: Diabetes Comes From Eating Too Much Sugar
The causes of diabetes for both type 1 and 2 are not yet known. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system destroys it’s own tissue, which in this case is the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. What prompts the immune system to target these cells is unknown, but age, genetics, environment, and other factors all play a part.
Myth 2: Diabetes Can Be Reversed With Diet and Exercise
Diet and exercise play an important role (especially in type 2 diabetics) in managing their glucose levels. However, type 1 diabetics will always be dependent on the infusion of insulin whether by injection or insulin pump for the rest of their life. Even type 2 diabetics can’t reverse their diabetes, but they can diet and exercise enough to where they no longer require medications to treat it.
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about type 1 diabetes is that it can be reversed or cured through diet and exercise alone. However, this is not accurate. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels and survive.
Myth 3: Kids Can Grow Out of Type 1 Diabetes
Not true at all. Diabetes is a lifelong condition, and people of any age can be diagnosed with it – both type 1 and type 2.
The idea that kids may “grow out” of type 1 diabetes is one of the recurring fallacies surrounding it. It’s not accurate, though. The immune system of the body incorrectly targets and kills the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas in the autoimmune condition known as type 1 diabetes. Once these cells are eliminated, insulin production is irreparably damaged.
You Might Also Like To Read: Dealing with a High Blood Sugar Hangover
Myth 4: People with diabetes can’t have sugar
With the right amount of planning, medication, and attention to the amount of carbohydrates they eat, people with diabetes can enjoy all the same foods that people without diabetes can. Some people with diabetes may choose not to eat sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods for a variety of reasons.
Others might plan ahead to take extra insulin for a piece of cake or a doughnut. What’s more, people with diabetes rely on fast-acting forms of sugar (orange juice, candy, or glucose tabs) to help balance their blood glucose levels and treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Myth 5: Insulin is the cure for diabetes
Insulin is a necessary and life-saving treatment for those with type 1 diabetes, but it’s not a cure. While manufactured insulin can do almost the same job as the insulin naturally produced by the bodies of people without diabetes, it’s not as precise. People with diabetes must constantly evaluate their daily — and hourly — insulin needs, which can be affected by food intake, stress, illness, exercise and other factors.
Myth 6: People who use insulin (or have insulin pumps) have the most serious form of diabetes.
No type of diabetes is more or less serious than another — all require hard work, healthy choices, and near-constant attention. The most serious form of diabetes is the one where the person who has it doesn’t care about their disease or can’t afford the necessary supplies that having diabetes requires. This leads to serious complications
Myth 7: Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors “do it all” for people with diabetes
Breakthroughs in insulin delivery and glucose monitoring technology are making a big difference in the way people manage track their diabetes. However, people with diabetes must still calculate the amount of carbohydrate they eat, measure their blood glucose with finger sticks, and “think” for the tools they use.
Myth 8: When people with diabetes experience episodes of high or low blood sugar, it means they aren’t taking care of themselves.
Managing type 1 diabetes is both a 24/7 job and an inexact science. Since there’s no way to replicate the body’s natural methods of maintaining safe and healthy blood glucose levels, every person with diabetes will experience high and low blood sugars. These can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and dangerous. It’s important to remember that these episodes do not always happen because a person is not taking care of him or herself; they happen because that person has type 1 diabetes.
Thanks For Reading: Unveiling the Truth: 8 Common Common Type 1 Diabetes Myths
By: Miranda Montgomery (Type 1 diabetic for 20+ years) Admin for Type 1 Diabetes Support Group on Facebook with 14 K members
Powered By 360Presence
Common Common Type 1 Diabetes Myths