This week, I would like to explore the misnomers of diabetes. I will be splitting this into the three types as they all have different misconceptions.

Type 1

This is the first one, and we only know so much about it. It was once referred to as juvenile diabetes because it was most diagnosed in children, however the truth is it can be diagnosed at any age. Let us go over some of the misconceptions even if little of type 1-

• Carbs and sugars are bad- they are an important part of our nutrition. There are ways for diabetics to include carbs and sugars in their diets, they should just consult with a nutritionist or dietitian.

• People with type 1 diabetes cannot lead an active lifestyle, this is completely untrue!  I knew several people in college, who lived highly active lifestyles that had type 1 diabetes. However, those with type 1 diabetes do have to factor that into their active lifestyle, as fitness related activities can affect your blood sugar levels and how your body responds to it and what you may need to help you get through an effects.

• Treatment will remain the same, this is not true, your body changes over time and so will how your treatment will be. Regular visits to an endocrinologist will be a thing to make sure you stay on course.

Type 2

Whether or not you realize it or not, this is the most common type of diabetes per the World Health Organization, so odds are you know someone who has it. Therefore, think before you assume anything on this type. Let us begin.                             

• People with only severe diabetes need to take insulin – this is a complete myth, I learned this with gestational. Sometimes you do everything right, and you still just need to be on insulin. There is no same in it at all, your body just needs a little more help. The point of insulin is to help keep the blood sugars in control.

• Avoid the medicines – DO NOT do this, to keep yourself healthy you need to keep the blood sugars in control, if you are struggling with it, there is no shame of being on insulin.

• Like type 1, carbs and sugars are bad- they are an important part of our nutrition. There are ways for diabetics to include carbs and sugars in their diets, they should just consult with a nutritionist or dietitian.

• It is genetic, I will never get it – again another myth, of course having family members with it increases the chance of you getting it, but there are other risk factions such as-
  • Age (45 or older)
  • Heart Disease
  • Prior history of gestational diabetes
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Weight

The point is the people you do not think about can have type 2 diabetes, so do not assume anything (I mean look Tom Hanks and Halle Berry both have it). 

Gestational

As we know this one hit close to home for me, as I had this while pregnant, and I was completely body shamed and assumptions were made because I had it. People may have certain factors that can increase their risk of developing gestational diabetes.

• You have had gestational diabetes before.
• You have a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes; evidence suggests that changes in genes, as well as a family history of diabetes, may increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may share similar gene changes with gestational diabetes.
• You have prediabetes (higher than normal blood glucose levels)- HOWEVER please note that those with gestational diabetes does not necessarily mean someone was prediabetic. DO NOT ASSUME
• You have polycystic ovary syndrome.
• You are overweight- myth, gestational diabetes can affect anyone regardless of weight.

Overall, the lesson to take from here is that assumptions are made a lot regarding diabetes, and it can affect mental health of those around you.  Be more mindful and read up more on it, be informed, just do not assume.