*Diabetes disproportionately affects minority populations and the elderly. Latino community, second most affected population group.
The whole world has been watching COVID-19, a disease that has caused millions of infections and deaths, but the pandemic also made people look more carefully at their lifestyles and chronic conditions, such as diabetes, a disease that is the subject of many myths and realities.
Diabetes disproportionately affects minority populations and the elderly, and is a leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ?CDCAs of 2018, 26.9 million people had diagnosed diabetes - 8.2 percent of the nation's entire population; in San Mateo County, the percentage of people with the disease reached 8.9 percent, and in 2018, 427 people died from complications of the disease.
Nationally, among adults 18 years of age and older, the highest prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was among American Indians/Alaska Natives - 14.7 percent, followed by Latinos - 12.5 percent, Blacks - 11.7 percent, Asians - 9.2 percent, and non-Hispanic Whites - 7.5 percent.
Among adults of Hispanic origin, those from Mexico - 14.4 percent - and Puerto Rico - 12.4 percent - had the highest prevalences, followed by those from Central and South America - 8.3 percent.
This disease can have a damaging effect on most organ systems in the human body; it is a frequent cause of end-stage renal disease, non-traumatic amputation of the lower extremities, and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults.
People with diabetes also have an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, neuropathy and stroke.
According to the CDC, direct medical costs attributable to diabetes exceed $327 billion. Diabetes disproportionately affects minority populations and the elderly, and its incidence is likely to increase as minority populations grow and the U.S. population ages.
There are several myths and facts about diabetes that can create misconceptions, stereotypes and negativism, says the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetes, myths and facts
MythDiabetes is not a serious disease.
RealityDiabetes causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of 3 people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
MythType 2 Diabetes: People who are obese or overweight will get type 2 diabetes.
RealityOverweight is a risk factor for this disease, but other risk factors also play a role, such as family history, race and age.
Unfortunately, many people do not pay attention to the other risk factors and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most people who are overweight do not have type 2 diabetes, and many people who have type 2 diabetes are normal weight or very slightly overweight.
Myth: Eating too many sweets causes diabetes.
RealityThe answer is no, it is not that simple. The cause of type 1 diabetes is genetic and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; the cause of type 2 diabetes is genetic and lifestyle factors.
A high-calorie diet of any kind leads to weight gain. Studies show that drinking sugary drinks is associated with type 2 diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people limit their consumption of sugary drinks to help prevent diabetes, such as regular sodas, fruit punch, fruit juices, energy drinks, sports drinks, and sweet tea.
A single serving of these drinks raises blood glucose and contains several hundred calories!
MythPeople with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.
RealityA healthy eating plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as anyone else's healthy eating plan: low in fat - especially saturated and trans fats - moderate salt and sugar intake, whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit.
Special diabetic foods and so-called "diet" foods in general do not offer any special benefit. Most raise blood glucose levels equally, are usually more expensive and may have a laxative effect if they have sugar alcohols.
MythIf someone has diabetes, they can only eat small amounts of carbohydrate foods such as bread, potatoes and noodles.
RealityCarbohydrate foods can be part of a healthy eating plan, but portion size is key. Whole grain breads, cereals, noodles and rice, and carbohydrate vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas and corn can be part of your meals and snacks.
MythPeople with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.
RealitySweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes as part of a healthy eating plan or in combination with exercise. These foods are not off-limits for people with or without diabetes. The key is to eat a very small portion of sweets and reserve them for special occasions so that meals focus on healthier foods.
MythDiabetes is contagious.
RealityNo. While we don't know exactly why people get diabetes, we do know that diabetes is not contagious. There seem to be certain genetic factors in diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes. Lifestyle also plays a role.
MythPeople with diabetes tend to get sick and catch colds.
RealityPeople with diabetes are no more likely to get sick or catch a cold than anyone else. However, it is recommended that people with diabetes get a flu shot. This is because any illness can make it harder to control diabetes, and people with diabetes who get colds are more likely than others to have serious complications.
MythIf you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor tells you that you need to start taking insulin, that means you are not taking proper care of yourself.
RealityFor most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. As soon as they are diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes are able to keep their blood glucose at a healthy level without oral medications. But over time, the body gradually produces less insulin, until there comes a point where oral medications are not enough to keep glucose within normal levels. The use of insulin to keep blood glucose at a healthy level is a good thing, not a bad thing.
MythFruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is okay to eat as much as you feel like.
RealityFruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and many vitamins and minerals. But fruits contain carbohydrates that should be counted in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about how much, how often, and what kinds of fruit to eat.
These are some of the myths and realities that revolve around diabetes. It should be noted that it is necessary to go to a medical center to be diagnosed and treated for the care and control of this disease.
Its main symptoms are: increased thirst; frequent urination; increased hunger; unintentional weight loss; fatigue; blurred vision and sores that are slow to heal.
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