Health Tip: Debunking Diabetes Myths
(HealthDay News) -- If you've just been diagnosed with diabetes, it may be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
The American Diabetes Association debunks some popular myths about the disease:
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You can't "catch" diabetes from someone else.
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Dessert isn't off-limits forever for all diabetics. While eating too many sugary foods is a bad idea, you can have an occasional dessert, especially if you exercise and otherwise eat healthy.
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Eating too much sugar can't "cause" diabetes. The disease stems from genetic and lifestyle factors.
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Carbohydrates and starches (bread, potatoes, pasta) aren't off-limits, but healthy portion sizes are important.
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Diabetics aren't more susceptible to colds and other illnesses.
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Insulin doesn't cause hardening of the arteries or high blood pressure.
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Fruit, while healthy, can't be consumed in huge amounts, since it contains carbohydrates.
Date Last Reviewed:
8/14/2009
Date Last Modified:
8/14/2009