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Diabetes mellitus is a serious health problem affecting
millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization projects that the
number of diabetics will exceed 350 million by 2030. Diabetes is a disorder
characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels. Blood glucose levels are
controlled by a complex metabolism involving many chemicals and hormones
including insulin produced by the pancreas. Diabetes is classified as Type 1 or
Type 2.
I will briefly explain the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by a loss of the insulin being produced in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity, along with relatively reduced insulin secretion.
In any case it is in the best interests of the diabetic to modify his/her lifestyle and diet and drastically reduce the intake of excessive sugar as well as foods with high a glycemic index.
Myth #1
People with diabetes should never eat sugar or sweets and should always use artificial sweeteners?
Sugar and sweets will raise your blood glucose, but people with diabetes can safely eat sugar in moderation as part of their healthy Diet plan.
Using artificial sweeteners have proven to be very dangerous to everyone's health not just diabetics.I suggest using safe natural sweeteners like Stevia, Xylitol, Yacon syrup, agave nectar, Mesquite, or Cinnamon. Do your own research and pick one or two that you will enjoy the most.
Myth #2
Diabetics should never soak their feet
It is very important for all Diabetics to pay close attention to their feet. However there is no danger for a diabetic to soak their feet unless they have any open wounds or they have extreme neuropathy. A Type 1 diabetic is more likely have neuropathy and not feel the temperature of the water and can burn the skin of the feet. Always be careful of the temperature of the water regardless if you are Type 1 or 2. Also, be careful not to soak longer than 30 minutes as that could actually cause excessive dryness of the skin.Make sure your feet are dried completely and do not use any lotion between the toes.When these precautions are followed it can be beneficial and relaxing for diabetics to soak their feet.
I will briefly explain the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by a loss of the insulin being produced in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity, along with relatively reduced insulin secretion.
In any case it is in the best interests of the diabetic to modify his/her lifestyle and diet and drastically reduce the intake of excessive sugar as well as foods with high a glycemic index.
Myth #1
People with diabetes should never eat sugar or sweets and should always use artificial sweeteners?
Sugar and sweets will raise your blood glucose, but people with diabetes can safely eat sugar in moderation as part of their healthy Diet plan.
Using artificial sweeteners have proven to be very dangerous to everyone's health not just diabetics.I suggest using safe natural sweeteners like Stevia, Xylitol, Yacon syrup, agave nectar, Mesquite, or Cinnamon. Do your own research and pick one or two that you will enjoy the most.
Myth #2
Diabetics should never soak their feet
It is very important for all Diabetics to pay close attention to their feet. However there is no danger for a diabetic to soak their feet unless they have any open wounds or they have extreme neuropathy. A Type 1 diabetic is more likely have neuropathy and not feel the temperature of the water and can burn the skin of the feet. Always be careful of the temperature of the water regardless if you are Type 1 or 2. Also, be careful not to soak longer than 30 minutes as that could actually cause excessive dryness of the skin.Make sure your feet are dried completely and do not use any lotion between the toes.When these precautions are followed it can be beneficial and relaxing for diabetics to soak their feet.
Myth # 3
Once you start taking pills or insulin, you do not have to worry about your diet.
Combining your medicines with a healthy meal plan and physical activity gives your body the best possible ability to stay in balance and healthy. Adding cinnamon sticks to your water, coffee or tea will help your body naturally balance your blood glucose and the pills or insulin that you take for diabetes will be more effective.
Myth #4
There are no natural remedies for diabetes.
It has been proven over and over again that lack of exercise, poor digestion, not drinking enough healthy water and a poor diet is the cause of most diseases including diabetes. Therefore the most natural remedy is eating a healthy diet and exercise. Healthy eating and physical activity help to lower your blood glucose levels. Dr. Gabriel Cousens, M.D. has been running the best diabetes (type 2) treatment available in the world. He has been working on this diabetic protocol for about 10 years. I believe that he has formulated the best diabetic program ever. His new book is called There Is a Cure for Diabetes. If you or someone you know has diabetes I strongly suggest reading this book.
Once you start taking pills or insulin, you do not have to worry about your diet.
Combining your medicines with a healthy meal plan and physical activity gives your body the best possible ability to stay in balance and healthy. Adding cinnamon sticks to your water, coffee or tea will help your body naturally balance your blood glucose and the pills or insulin that you take for diabetes will be more effective.
Myth #4
There are no natural remedies for diabetes.
It has been proven over and over again that lack of exercise, poor digestion, not drinking enough healthy water and a poor diet is the cause of most diseases including diabetes. Therefore the most natural remedy is eating a healthy diet and exercise. Healthy eating and physical activity help to lower your blood glucose levels. Dr. Gabriel Cousens, M.D. has been running the best diabetes (type 2) treatment available in the world. He has been working on this diabetic protocol for about 10 years. I believe that he has formulated the best diabetic program ever. His new book is called There Is a Cure for Diabetes. If you or someone you know has diabetes I strongly suggest reading this book.
Myth #5
Insulin causes impotence.
Some men who have diabetes may become impotent, but not because they take insulin. Nearly all major studies pertaining to diabetes and erectile dysfunction support the findings that men with diabetes are at a far higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) within 10-15 years of developing the disease. Studies have also shown that men with diabetes are three times more likely to develop ED. Impotence or erectile dysfunction is caused by damage to nerves caused by many years of high blood glucose not insulin.
There are many more myths about diabetes however the above 5 are ones my patients have recently asked me about. If you have diabetes or if you know someone who does it's always a good idea to do your own research and take time to talk to your health care professional.
Insulin causes impotence.
Some men who have diabetes may become impotent, but not because they take insulin. Nearly all major studies pertaining to diabetes and erectile dysfunction support the findings that men with diabetes are at a far higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) within 10-15 years of developing the disease. Studies have also shown that men with diabetes are three times more likely to develop ED. Impotence or erectile dysfunction is caused by damage to nerves caused by many years of high blood glucose not insulin.
There are many more myths about diabetes however the above 5 are ones my patients have recently asked me about. If you have diabetes or if you know someone who does it's always a good idea to do your own research and take time to talk to your health care professional.
Dr Nance MacLeod is available for appointments at the Eagle Valley Health Pro Shop in Niagara Falls, Ontario. To
contact her call 289-669-0015 or email drNanceMacleod@gmail.com
and check out her web site at www.thewellnessdiva.org
By Dr. Nance MacLeod NMD,
PhD
Dispelling the Common Myths about Diabetes
