Many Canadians are intimately connected with Type 2 diabetes, either through personal experience or knowing someone who is affected. It’s estimated that 11.7 million people are living with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, or pre-diabetes, conditions that impact the body’s ability to produce or effectively use insulin. However, despite the prevalence of this disease, numerous Type 2 diabetes myths and misinformation persist, contributing to a misunderstanding of the condition and its management. As a family physician and contributor to caretoknow.ca, I am deeply concerned about how these misconceptions may lead to a significant number of undiagnosed or poorly managed cases of Type 2 diabetes.
While cases of the disease continue to climb and cost that Canadian healthcare system $30 billion annually, there continues to be misinformation and stigma about the ailment. As a family physician and contributor to Caretoknow.ca, it worries me that this may, in part, contribute to the large numbers of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes cases that are not being identified or managed.
Compounding this issue is a decrease in available primary care, leaving many who have been diagnosed, without the necessary support. This situation underscores the need for heightened awareness and education about diabetes.
Don’t Be Fooled by These Type 2 Diabetes Myths
Along with misinformation, there are several myths surrounding Type 2 diabetes that need addressing. Firstly, many patients believe they will recognize the symptoms of diabetes, like frequent urination. However, most diagnoses occur through routine blood tests when patients are asymptomatic.
Another misconception is the seriousness of diabetes. Despite advancements in medication, diabetes remains a serious condition with risks including renal failure, stroke, heart attack, and neuropathies. It’s a chronic disease; while medications are effective in slowing its progression, they are not a cure. Daily effort and management are essential.
There are several different types of diabetes and reasons why someone will develop it at different stages in their lifetime. It’s not a matter of eating too much sugar or having a lack of willpower. There is no common cause that fits will all types of diabetes. However, once we learn more about it, we can recognize symptoms and advocate for our better health.
Here are some additional common misconceptions about Type 2 diabetes:
- MYTH: Diabetes is always noticeable by symptoms
- TRUTH: Some people with the disease may not experience noticeable symptoms for a long time. Regular check-ups and screening are important for early detection
- MYTH: Diabetes is not a serious condition
- TRUTH: Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed. It’s associated with stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss and nerve damage
- MYTH: Once diagnosed, diabetes can be cured
- TRUTH: Diabetes cannot be cured, but can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and medications
- MYTH: Managing diabetes with medication is a sign of failure
- TRUTH: Diabetes medications are tools that help to manage the condition effectively and play a vital role in attaining target blood glucose levels
- MYTH: Only obese people get diabetes
- TRUTH: While obesity is a risk factor, thin individuals can also develop the condition. Genetics, ethnicity, age, and lifestyle are also factors that impact one’s likelihood of having the condition
- MYTH: Diabetes is cause by eating too much sugar
- TRUTH: While overconsumption of sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes is a complex condition dependent on genetic, lifestyle and metabolic factors.
Find free information and updates on health-related topics like Diabetes and how to manage it at caretoknow.ca. For more topics and articles from Dr. Palmay on What She Said click here.
Dr. Christine Palmay is a family physician practising in Mid-town Toronto and a regular contributor to Caretoknow.ca
