I come from a family of diabetics. My grandmother has it, my uncles and aunts have it, and my cousin has it too. My mom doesn't have diabetes but she is now taking Metformin for prevention. If I'm not going to be careful and not watch my lifestyle, there is a tendency that I will also have it too.
Diabetes is a serious condition with severe effects that can
last a lifetime. However, there are many misconceptions regarding diabetes that
make people think certain foods or situations will immediately make them
diabetics. Thus, it is essential to know the myths and facts about diabetes.
“Genetics and lifestyle are major causes of having diabetes.
It should be taken seriously, but it’s important to remember that not everything you hear about diabetes is true. Learn
the facts, so you can make knowledgeable decisions to prevent the disease,”
says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.
Here’s a list of diabetes myths and corresponding facts:
Myth: Diabetes is
caused by eating too much sugar.
Fact: Weight gain
is one of the risk factors in developing diabetes. A diet that is high in
excess calories can be a cause of excess weight. Drinking sugary drinks such as
sodas has been linked to excess weight, thus, increasing a person’s risk for developing
diabetes. However it is not yet proven that too much sugar directly causes diabetes.
Myth: Women with
diabetes should not get pregnant.
Fact: Women who
manage their diabetes well can have a normal pregnancy and give birth to a
healthy baby. But a woman with diabetes should keep her blood glucose (sugar)
in the target range—both before she is pregnant and during pregnancy.
Myth: People with
diabetes cannot donate blood.
Fact: Diabetics
are eligible to donate blood as long as their sugar level is controlled, are in
good health, their blood pressure is below 180/100 and are not anemic. On the
day of the blood donation, they need to remember to eat an adequate meal, drink
extra fluids, and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages. It is also advisable for
diabetics to stay away from fatty foods, as it might affect some of the tests
done to determine their eligibility for blood
donation.
Myth: Diabetics
should never consume alcoholic drinks.
Fact: Diabetics
are advised to avoid drinking alcohol since it may lead to a major drop in
blood sugar. However, according to some studies, one drink of alcohol is allowed
once a week depending on one’s health conditions. It is recommended for a diabetic to monitor his blood sugar before, during, and after drinking alcohol.
once a week depending on one’s health conditions. It is recommended for a diabetic to monitor his blood sugar before, during, and after drinking alcohol.
Myth: Diabetics
should not eat rice.
Fact: All foods
containing carbohydrates may affect diabetes. The key to maintaining good blood
sugar level and preventing long-term complications is getting the right amount
of carbohydrates in one’s diet. Also, the quantity and quality of the rice a
diabetic can consume always depends on the nature and degree of the diabetes.
It is really very important that we should watch everything we eat and do. We should be very conscious about our lifestyle so that we will maintain good health and we will be able to do the things that we like doing. If we get sick, our activities will already be limited. We want to see our children grow. We want to see them successful. We want to see them on their milestones. We want to be always there for our children.
It is really very important that we should watch everything we eat and do. We should be very conscious about our lifestyle so that we will maintain good health and we will be able to do the things that we like doing. If we get sick, our activities will already be limited. We want to see our children grow. We want to see them successful. We want to see them on their milestones. We want to be always there for our children.
Diabetes should be taken seriously and managed properly. MediCard has 12 free-standing clinics nationwide that can give you more information
about diabetes, as well as consultations, and laboratory tests. Visit a
MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.
