Debunking Common Misconceptions About Diabetes: What’s True and What’s Not?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, requiring careful management to avoid complications. Managing diabetes can be challenging, and with so much information available, it’s easy to come across misconceptions. In this blog, we’ll look at eight common statements about diabetes and clarify which are correct and which may need rethinking.
1. Our body needs insulin to convert blood sugar into energy.
True.
Insulin is a crucial hormone that enables cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy. Without insulin, glucose remains in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. In people with diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or doesn’t use insulin effectively (Type 2 diabetes), making blood sugar control difficult. Therefore, insulin is vital for regulating energy production in the body.
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2. A fasting blood sugar of 6.1 is normal.
False.
A fasting blood sugar level of 6.1 mmol/L is not considered normal. According to Malaysian guidelines, a fasting blood sugar level 6.0 and below is normal. A reading of 6.1 to 6.9 indicates prediabetes, meaning there’s an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A level of 7.0 or higher suggests diabetes. Regular monitoring of fasting blood sugar is essential to catch potential issues early.
3. A person with diabetes should have a dental check-up twice a year and an eye check once a year.
True.
Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease and eye complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Dentists and ophthalmologists can help detect early signs of these issues. Regular dental check-ups (twice a year) and annual eye exams are essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent and manage these complications.
4. A person with diabetes should cleanse their feet with hot water.
False.
This is a dangerous misconception. People with diabetes may suffer from nerve damage (neuropathy), which can reduce the ability to feel pain, heat, or cold. Using hot water to wash feet could result in burns without the person realizing it. Instead, lukewarm water should be used, and feet should be gently dried afterward. Diabetics should always be cautious about foot care to prevent infections and complications.
5. People with diabetes should check their feet for wounds every day.
True.
Daily foot inspections are crucial for people with diabetes. Due to poor circulation and nerve damage, minor cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed and can easily become infected. Regularly checking for any wounds, swelling, or changes in skin color helps catch problems early and prevent more severe complications like ulcers or even amputation.
6. The HbA1c test measures the average blood glucose level over the last three months.
True.
Blood glucose measures the sugar in your blood at a specific moment, like a snapshot of your current level, while HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. The HbA1c test gives a broader picture of long-term blood sugar control, while a blood glucose test shows what's happening right now. Both are essential for managing diabetes, but they serve different purposes.
7. Diet and exercise are more important than medication to control diabetes.
Partially true.
While diet and exercise are cornerstones of diabetes management, many individuals also need medication to control their blood sugar effectively. A healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins, coupled with regular physical activity, helps improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. However, medication or insulin therapy is often required, especially for those with Type 1 diabetes or more advanced Type 2 diabetes.
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8. Taking noodles (mee) is healthier than taking white rice.
False.
This is a common misconception. Both noodle and white rice contain the same amount of carbohydrate, and both are having high glycaemic index. Both provide high glucose load to people with diabetes.
However, the nutritional value of some noodles and rice depends on factors like the type, portion size, and how it's cooked. For instance, brown rice is often a better option than white rice due to its lower glycaemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar. Similarly, whole grain noodles can be healthier than refined pasta. The key is moderation and choosing options with lower glycaemic impact.
Conclusion
Managing diabetes involves navigating through various myths and facts. Understanding the truth behind common statements like those above can lead to better decision-making and, ultimately, better health outcomes. Whether it’s monitoring blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet, or practicing proper foot care, staying informed is vital to managing diabetes effectively.
1. Our body needs insulin to convert blood sugar into energy.
True.
Insulin is a crucial hormone that enables cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy. Without insulin, glucose remains in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. In people with diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or doesn’t use insulin effectively (Type 2 diabetes), making blood sugar control difficult. Therefore, insulin is vital for regulating energy production in the body.
2. A fasting blood sugar of 6.1 is normal.
False.
A fasting blood sugar level of 6.1 mmol/L is not considered normal. According to Malaysian guidelines, a fasting blood sugar level 6.0 and below is normal. A reading of 6.1 to 6.9 indicates prediabetes, meaning there’s an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A level of 7.0 or higher suggests diabetes. Regular monitoring of fasting blood sugar is essential to catch potential issues early.
3. A person with diabetes should have a dental check-up twice a year and an eye check once a year.
True.
Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease and eye complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Dentists and ophthalmologists can help detect early signs of these issues. Regular dental check-ups (twice a year) and annual eye exams are essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent and manage these complications.
4. A person with diabetes should cleanse their feet with hot water.
False.
This is a dangerous misconception. People with diabetes may suffer from nerve damage (neuropathy), which can reduce the ability to feel pain, heat, or cold. Using hot water to wash feet could result in burns without the person realizing it. Instead, lukewarm water should be used, and feet should be gently dried afterward. Diabetics should always be cautious about foot care to prevent infections and complications.
5. People with diabetes should check their feet for wounds every day.
True.
Daily foot inspections are crucial for people with diabetes. Due to poor circulation and nerve damage, minor cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed and can easily become infected. Regularly checking for any wounds, swelling, or changes in skin color helps catch problems early and prevent more severe complications like ulcers or even amputation.
6. The HbA1c test measures the average blood glucose level over the last three months.
True.
Blood glucose measures the sugar in your blood at a specific moment, like a snapshot of your current level, while HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. The HbA1c test gives a broader picture of long-term blood sugar control, while a blood glucose test shows what's happening right now. Both are essential for managing diabetes, but they serve different purposes.
7. Diet and exercise are more important than medication to control diabetes.
Partially true.
While diet and exercise are cornerstones of diabetes management, many individuals also need medication to control their blood sugar effectively. A healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins, coupled with regular physical activity, helps improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. However, medication or insulin therapy is often required, especially for those with Type 1 diabetes or more advanced Type 2 diabetes.
8. Taking noodles (mee) is healthier than taking white rice.
False.
This is a common misconception. Both noodle and white rice contain the same amount of carbohydrate, and both are having high glycaemic index. Both provide high glucose load to people with diabetes.
However, the nutritional value of some noodles and rice depends on factors like the type, portion size, and how it's cooked. For instance, brown rice is often a better option than white rice due to its lower glycaemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar. Similarly, whole grain noodles can be healthier than refined pasta. The key is moderation and choosing options with lower glycaemic impact.
Conclusion
Managing diabetes involves navigating through various myths and facts. Understanding the truth behind common statements like those above can lead to better decision-making and, ultimately, better health outcomes. Whether it’s monitoring blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet, or practicing proper foot care, staying informed is vital to managing diabetes effectively.
Sep 10,2024