The Normal Diabetic And Other Myths: What is a normal diabetic? Is it someone who must take insulin? Is it someone who must be subjected to blood tests? Is it just someone who can’t have sugar?
Depending on the diabetes type there may be a wide variance in what describes a diabetic. Some diabetic patients seek to manage their disease using a diet while others live with a variety of medications to regulate blood sugar and assist with the functions of the body hampered by the presence of diabetes.
Diabetic Mythbusters
1. T/F People who don’t eat the right kinds of food are more likely to develop diabetes.
False.
Onset diabetes is not a condition that is predicated on your diet. It is brought on when your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use that insulin correctly. Your diet has a bearing on diabetes only to the degree that obesity has been linked to onset diabetes. If your diet leaves you overweight you may wish to switch diets and participate in physical exercise.
2. T/F People who eat too much candy and other sweet treats are more likely to develop diabetes.
False.
Again a sweet tooth in and of itself is not a causal agent for diabetes, but just like your diet if it leads to excessive weight then the additional pounds could contribute to the development of the disease.
3. T/F You can give someone else diabetes.
False.
Diabetes is not contagious and cannot be passed on like the common cold. It is a direct response from your body to conditions within the body.
4. T/F By watching your stress level you can avoid getting diabetes.
False.
Stress levels are important to the diabetic because they can make symptoms worse when under severe stress. However, stress itself will not bring on type 2 diabetes. That being said it is always a good idea to reduce stress because it can show up in other physical ailments.
5. T/F If you have diabetes you can never have sugar or carbohydrates again.
False.
You can actually have both, but you will want to work with a physician and nutritionist to learn the amounts that may be considered acceptable under your diet plan.
6. T/F If you get diabetes you can’t be physically active anymore.
False.
In both type 1 & type 2 diabetes exercise is a key component to disease management. It can serve to help moderate blood sugar levels and generally makes the individual feel better following prescribed exercise.
7. If I get diabetes I will know it.
False.
Diabetic symptoms may be minor and unnoticeable when type 2 diabetes is present. Only a blood test can determine the presence of diabetes. Your physical sense of well being cannot be an accurate indicator of diabetes.
Back to normal
Perhaps the best description of a normal diabetic is one who is not afraid to live life. These are the individuals who refuse to give up and continue to explore life and all manner of adventure.
Generally speaking almost any job is open to someone who has diabetes. The disease itself should pose no meaningful threat to your ability to function in life and to contribute your own unique giftedness to the world around you.
A normal diabetic is one who gets the facts, adjusts their lifestyle to LIVE with diabetes and then refuses to present themselves as less than able.
Diabetes does not have to mean disabled, just differently abled. This is the new normal for diabetics.
