Here’s the truth about diabetes

Published 9:00 pm Monday, August 7, 2006

It’s hard to escape diabetes in the news. Haven’t you heard? One in 10 American adults has it.

Right now the chronic condition afflicts more than 20 million Americans 20 years or older. Problems with the production or action of the hormone insulin lead to high blood sugar levels, which can result in serious complications. These range from premature heart disease and stroke to blindness, kidney failure and leg amputations. The risk of death for people with diabetes is twice as high as that for people of the same age who don’t have the disease.

I’ll summarize for you the main types of diabetes: 1 and 2. Type 1 diabetes results from the inability to produce enough insulin. It usually begins in children and young adults, who must have insulin delivered by pump or injection to survive. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly, and treatment may start with diet or pills. This form is associated with older age and obesity and makes up more than 90 percent of the diabetes in this country.

New cases of type 2 diabetes have doubled during the past 30 years in the United States. The increase has happened in both men and women. And while type 2 is usually reserved for adults, the condition has grown more frequent among children and adolescents. At all ages, scientists say that weight gain and physical inactivity are the main factors.

These are risks we can do something about.

It all starts with awareness. Currently, one-third of adults with diabetes don’t know they have it. Also, among the general public, misconceptions about the lifelong illness abound.

Here from the American Diabetes Association are just the facts on eight myths about diabetes:

Myth No. 1: You can catch diabetes from someone who has it. Fact: Diabetes isn’t contagious like the flu. Major causes include lifestyle, aging and heredity.

Myth No. 2: Diabetics can’t eat sweets. Fact: People with diabetes can eat sweets and desserts as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Myth No. 3: Eating sugar causes diabetes. Fact: Weight gain from too little exercise and too many calories is strongly linked with type 2 diabetes. The calories can come from sugar, protein or fat.

Myth No. 4: Avoid insulin since it puts weight on. Fact: For most diabetics, the benefit of better blood sugar control with insulin far outweighs the possible risk of gaining weight.

Myth No. 5: People with diabetes need special food. Fact: Special foods aren’t necessary. A diet that is low in fat, moderate in salt and sugar, and high in produce and whole grains brings the greatest health benefits.

Myth No. 6: Diabetics must strictly avoid starchy foods. Fact: Reasonable amounts of starchy foods such as whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes, yams, peas and corn are part of a healthy meal plan for diabetics. People with diabetes can typically eat about three or four servings a day.

Myth No. 7: People with diabetes are prone to colds and flu. Fact: The risk of contracting contagious illnesses is no greater when you have diabetes. It’s a good idea to get an annual influenza shot, however, since an infection can send blood sugar levels skyrocketing.

Myth No. 8: Insulin causes cardiovascular disease. Fact: Insulin does not cause heart disease, the No. 1 killer of people with diabetes. The real culprit is elevated blood sugar levels in untreated or inadequately controlled diabetes.

Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician and fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, at doctor@practicalprevention. com. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider.

2006 Elizabeth S. Smoots.