Many individuals living in Anguilla have diabetes mellitus. Various groups do disseminate accurate information about this chronic disorder but, unfortunately, there are many myths around diabetes that many individuals in Anguilla accept as facts. These myths or misrepresentations of diabetes can sometimes be harmful and lead to an unfair stigma around the condition.
Common myths related to type 2 diabetes
Some common myths related to type2 diabetes include the following:
I only have a touch of diabetes or I have mild diabetes
This diabetes myth is widely repeated but, of course, it is not true. No form of diabetes is mild. Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes you have the disorder. Some individuals have pre-diabetes, but this is not the same as diabetes. If type 2 diabetes is poorly managed it can lead to serious (even life-threatening) complications. Achieving good control of diabetes can significantly decrease the risk of complications. All forms of the disease if not properly controlled can be serious and result in severe complications.
Type 2 diabetes only affects obese or fat individuals
This is absolutely false. Type 2 diabetes is more common in overweight or obese individuals, but this disorder can occur in normal weight, slim or underweight persons. Being obese—having a body mass index of 30 or more—is considered to be a major risk factor for diabetes, but there are other risk factors for this disorder as well.
Having diabetes means you must eat foods that are different from everyone else
Having diabetes does not mean you are on a restricted and punishing diet. Diabetics are encouraged to follow a healthy diet that is recommended for all individuals. Such diet plans should include choosing foods that are lower in fat, higher in nutrients, and contain an appropriate amount of calories. If you have any concerns about your meals you should talk to your healthcare provider or dietitian/nutritionist.
Once I am diagnosed with diabetes I need insulin
That is the case with type 1 diabetes but not with type 2 diabetes. In some cases, proper diet, exercise, and oral medications, if needed, will be enough to control type 2 diabetes. Insulin would only be needed if control is not possible with these measures. The key is to make a lifestyle change. That means no smoking, more healthful eating habits, and regular exercise.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease for old people
In Anguilla there are many children with type 2 diabetes. That is a big change from 20 or 30 years ago. When a child or adolescent was diagnosed with diabetes years ago it was almost certain to be type 1 diabetes which is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. This is no longer the case in Anguilla and several other countries. To help prevent diabetes in children, parents should try to encourage good habits for the entire family. That means less video game and TV time, more physical activity, less junk food and smaller portions at meal time.
Injecting insulin is painful and will interfere with my schedule
Those individuals who require insulin often say it becomes a part of their daily routine. The insulin needle is tiny and thin, and minimal pain is experienced when the injection is correctly given.
People with diabetes should not play sports
High-prominence diabetic sportsmen and women have disproved this diabetes myth. People with diabetes should take part in exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are some factors worth considering before partaking in sport, but there is no reason why people with diabetes cannot participate in most sports.
Diabetes is contagious
Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease. Diabetes cannot be caught off someone else. Diabetes cannot be passed on by sneezing, through touch, nor via blood or any other person to person means.
The only way in which diabetes can be passed on is from parents to their own children but even this is only a genetic likelihood of diabetes, and not the condition itself.
If I have diabetes I will lose my feet or leg
Diabetes is a leading cause of many amputations each year in many countries. However, those people with diabetes that control blood pressure, glucose, weight and quit smoking all increase their chances of remaining complication free.
Amputations are therefore preventable and the vast majority of people with diabetes will avoid amputation, particularly if annual diabetic health checks are attended each year.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus affects around 370 million adults worldwide. The global diabetes rate is expected to grow to 552 million by 2030, or 9.9% of the adult population. This chronic disorder affects many individuals in Anguilla. We must continue educating our citizens of this disorder and also continue to try to dispel some of the myths associated with it.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
