Diabetes misconceptions are widespread and often misleading. Recent research has challenged long-held beliefs about both types of diabetes, revealing the complexity of these conditions.
Understanding Diabetes: A Closer Look at Misconceptions
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) was once thought to be a childhood disease, known as juvenile diabetes. However, it is now understood that a significant number of cases are diagnosed in adults. In fact, at least half of all T1D cases occur after childhood.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes (T2D) was previously attributed solely to lifestyle choices. Scientists now recognize that T2D arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Impacts of Misdiagnosis
Misconceptions can lead to serious health outcomes. In the U.S., one in three people has prediabetes, yet 90% are unaware of their condition. This status can be reversed, but progression to T2D limits remission chances to only 5%.
Globally, around one-third of individuals with T1D die due to misdiagnosis or inadequate healthcare access. A staggering 40% of adult-onset T1D cases are misidentified as T2D, leading to ineffective treatment.
Expanding the Diabetes Landscape
- Diabetes is not limited to two types; various forms exist, such as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), also known as type 1.5 diabetes.
- Research has also revealed type 5 diabetes, linked to severe malnutrition. Other subtypes include idiopathic type 1 diabetes and autoimmune-related T2D.
Reassessing Diabetes Causes
The origins of diabetes are not fully understood but involve genetics and environmental factors. In T1D, a mix of genetic mutations and environmental triggers prompts its development. Unfortunately, no diet or exercise adjustments can prevent it.
Conversely, T2D has a stronger hereditary component. Factors such as age, body fat composition, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles enhance the risk. Thus, those attentive to health can still develop T2D.
Living with Diabetes: Fact vs. Fiction
- People with diabetes can consume sugar: Everyone requires glucose for energy, regardless of diabetes status. Those with diabetes often manage sugar intake to maintain health.
- Healthy pregnancies are possible: Women with diabetes can have healthy pregnancies with proper healthcare and diabetes management. Approximately 9% of pregnancies are reported among women living with diabetes.
- Participation in sports: Advances in treatment allow those with diabetes to engage in sports and physical activities, demonstrating that diabetes does not hinder athletic performance.
A Call for Change
As we learn more about diabetes, it’s crucial to dismantle outdated beliefs. Access to healthcare, effective medications, and continued education about diabetes are essential for individuals managing the disease.
El-Balad encourages sharing experiences to combat diabetes misconceptions and raise awareness. Together, we can ensure that those diagnosed with diabetes receive the care and support they need to thrive.
