Five myths and misconceptions about diabetes

According to the International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 415 million adults have been diagnosed with diabetes and is expected to increase to 642 million by 2040 if drastic measures to curb the disease are not taken.

In the Philippines, diabetes ranked as the third-leading cause of death among Filipinos in 2013, with more than four million Filipinos classified as diabetic, data from the Department of Health showed.

Despite its rising global prevalence, the chronic disease is still very much shrouded in various myths and misconceptions that cause more harm than good to diabetic patients and those prone to the disease.

Here we debunk five most common myths and misconceptions about diabetes:

Only OlDer peOple get DIAbetes

While it may seem like an age-related disease, diabetes, especially Type-1 diabetes, affects thousands of young children and adults every year, with some cases diagnosed as early as birth.

All OverweIght Or Obese InDIvIDuAls wIll eventuAlly DevelOp type-2 DIAbetes

Yes, having a body mass index of over 25 is a severe risk factor in developing diabetes. However, genetics, age, and a sedentary lifestyle also play a role. In fact, a large number of overweight people never actually develop Type-2 diabetes despite their weight.

COnsumIng exCessIve sugAr CAuses DIAbetes

Eating too many desserts and drinking sugary drinks have not yet been proven to directly cause diabetes, but an excessively greedy and unhealthy diet means weight increase, therefore also increasing a person’s risk for developing diabetes.

DIAbetes hInDers An ACtIve lIFestyle

On the contrary, long-term studies have shown that exercises like running and walking are among the best ways of lowering blood sugar levels and have a positive impact on the body. Just make sure to have your physical fitness program approved by your doctor prior to starting.

DIAbetes Isn’t As serIOus A DIseAse As CAnCer AnD AIDs

It is true that proper weight management and a healthy lifestyle can eventually prevent or delay the complications that come with diabetes. However, this chronic disease causes more deaths every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. In the Philippines, more than 33,000 have died from diabeties-related complications, as of 2016.