50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life: And the 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It

Contents......Page 10
Contributing Experts......Page 14
Introduction......Page 18
Common Myths......Page 22
1. Eating sweets causes diabetes.......Page 23
2. I have to be overweight to get diabetes.......Page 29
3. I don't have to watch myself because my doctor says I have "just a touch of sugar" or I'm "only borderline."......Page 33
4. Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1.......Page 38
5. I've just been diagnosed; I can't have complications yet!......Page 43
6. Only adults get type 2 diabetes and only kids get type 1.......Page 50
7. If I have to go on insulin, it's the beginning of the end.......Page 55
8. So many of my family members have diabetes, I'm certain to get it!......Page 60
9. People with diabetes can't eat sugar.......Page 65
10. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, heart attack, kidney disease, and amputation.......Page 70
11. Most people who have diabetes eventually lose their feet.......Page 75
12. Insulin shots are very painful.......Page 81
13. There's nothing I can do to prevent my kids from getting diabetes.......Page 85
14. People who have diabetes have to wear special shoes.......Page 93
Medical Myths......Page 98
15. Diabetes medications make you gain weight.......Page 99
16. I can't have diabetes because I have no symptoms.......Page 104
17. If I lose weight and don't require medicine anymore, I'll no longer have diabetes!......Page 109
18. There's nothing new for treating type 2 diabetes.......Page 115
19. If I'm sick (such as with a cold or flu) and barely eat, I shouldn't take my diabetes medicine.......Page 123
20. If my diabetes is under control, there's no need to see my doctor.......Page 127
21. If I take insulin, I must eat snacks during the day and at bedtime.......Page 135
22. I've heard for thirty years that there's going to be a cure for type 1 diabetes, but nothing's changed.......Page 139
23. Women with diabetes shouldn't get pregnant.......Page 145
24. The stresses and strains of everyday life don't affect diabetes.......Page 151
25. My doctor manages my diabetes, so I don't have to concern myself.......Page 157
Food Myths......Page 162
26. There is one specific "diabetic diet" I should follow.......Page 163
27. Healthful foods won't raise my blood sugar.......Page 170
28. I can't eat anything I like anymore!......Page 174
29. It doesn't matter what I eat if I "cover" it with my medicine.......Page 181
30. When I feel the symptoms of low blood sugar, I should keep eating sweets until I feel better.......Page 185
31. People with diabetes should eat only sweets labeled "sugar-free" or "diabetic."......Page 190
32. I shouldn't drink alcohol because it will raise my blood sugar.......Page 195
Body Fitness Myths......Page 200
33. I have to lose a lot of weight for my diabetes to improve.......Page 201
34. Exercise isn't important for managing my diabetes if I'm taking medicine.......Page 207
35. If anything were really wrong with my foot, it would hurt.......Page 216
36. My vision is blurry because I'm getting older.......Page 221
37. It's not safe for people with diabetes to exercise or play sports.......Page 227
38. Diabetes has nothing to do with erectile dysfunction or female sexual problems.......Page 233
39. There's nothing to help the pain in my feet!......Page 238
40. Diabetes certainly doesn't affect my teeth or gums.......Page 243
Psych Myths......Page 250
41. I can't ever take a break from dealing with my diabetes.......Page 251
42. If my doctor says it's time for me to take insulin, I'm a failure.......Page 256
43. I should be able to take diabetes in stride.......Page 262
44. Teens take better care of themselves when they understand the importance of doing so.......Page 268
45. There's nothing good about having diabetes.......Page 275
Practical & Practices Myths......Page 282
46. Financial help for diabetes treatment, supplies, and education is not available to me.......Page 283
47. Once I begin using a bottle of insulin, it has to be refrigerated.......Page 290
48. I should never use a syringe, pen needle, or lancet more than once.......Page 294
49. I can't bring syringes and other diabetes supplies aboard an airplane.......Page 298
50. If I wear an insulin pump, my diabetes is really "bad."......Page 302
Acknowledgments......Page 308
D......Page 310
H......Page 311
O......Page 312
V......Page 313
References......Page 314
A......Page 326
C......Page 327
D......Page 328
E......Page 329
G......Page 330
I......Page 331
L......Page 332
N......Page 333
P......Page 334
S......Page 335
U......Page 336
Y......Page 337