Diabetes Myths Revealed

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

Fact: Eating sugar does not cause diabetes.  Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight which increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Libby Dowling, Diabetes UK Care Adviser has experienced the effects this myth can have. She explains ‘As a paediatric nurse my own experience around diabetes myths have been families thinking you can't eat sweets if you have the condition. On diagnosis this belief can lead to added stress and upset, especially in younger children. But this myth is simply not true.'

Myth: People with diabetes benefit from food and drink labelled as "suitable for diabetics

Fact: These have no extra nutritional value and are more expensive than the original food or drink. In fact, Diabetes UK advises that people with diabetes have the same healthy, balanced diet (that is low in fat, sugar and salt) as people without the condition. The charity is calling for an end to the use of the terms ‘diabetic foods' and ‘suitable for diabetics' on food labels altogether.

Myth: Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes

Fact: The truth is there is no such thing as mild or borderline diabetes. All diabetes is equally serious, and if not properly controlled can lead to serious complications. Zoe Harrison, Diabetes UK Care Adviser said: ‘I know of patients with Type 2 diabetes who, after being moved onto insulin as their condition progressed, believed their type of diabetes had changed from Type 2 to Type 1.' This is a common misconception born from the belief that Type 2 diabetes is less serious than Type 1.

Myth:It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes

Fact: Providing you are responsible and have good control of your diabetes, research shows that people with diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone else. Nevertheless, the myth that people with diabetes are not safe persists, and Diabetes UK is currently campaigning against legislation that prevents people who treat their diabetes with insulin from driving certain vehicles.

For more comprehensive details on driving with diabetes visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/DiabetesWeek/myths

Stats

Since 1996, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has increased from 1.4 million to 2.6 million. By 2025, we estimate that the number will rise to more than 4 million.

There are around 25,000 people under the age of 25 with Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is up to six times more common in people of South Asian descent and up to three times more common in those of African and African-Caribbean origin.

The most deprived people in the UK are two-and-a-half times more likely than the average to have diabetes at any given age.

People with diabetes are 10 to 20 times more likely to go blind that people without it.

100 people a week have an amputation due to diabetes.

It is estimated that £9 billion a year (10 per cent) of the NHS budget is spent on diabetes and diabetes-related complications.