Diabetes care

Five myths about diabetes

The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing in every country, and the World Health Organization predicts that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death worldwide in 2030.

Chances are relatively high that you could be pre-diabetic or already suffer from the condition. Here are five common myths about diabetes:

1. Type 2 diabetes is 'not so bad'

A common myth about diabetes is that type 1 is the 'bad' kind of diabetes and that type 2 is the less serious or 'good' kind. It's not clear where this idea started, but it could be our fear of needles. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections to control their blood sugar while people with type 2 diabetes can usually control their blood sugar with oral medicine and lifestyle changes, or even by lifestyle changes alone.

However, some people with type 2 diabetes also have to inject themselves with insulin as diabetes can worsen over time. Both types of diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage that can result in having to amputate limbs.

2. Slender people can't get type 2 diabetes

Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Being even slightly overweight increases diabetes risk by up to five times, according to research done by Professor Walter Willett from the Harvard School of Public Health.

But being overweight is not the only major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Genetics are just as important. People with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Smoking also increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

On the 'supply side' of the healthcare system, a major driver of costs is the rapid emergence of new medicines and medical technologies. Unlike information technology, new technology in healthcare comes at a typically much higher cost. In 2016, Discovery Health Medical Scheme paid out more than R1.5 billion for high-cost medicines, up from R400 million in 2008. In 2016, 89 members requiring very high-cost medicines claimed an average of R1.4 million each, and the number of members requiring these high-cost medicines has increased sevenfold since 2008.

3. People with diabetes have to eat small, frequent meals

If you have low blood sugar, you have to eat frequently to keep your blood sugar stable. It's easy to assume that anyone with diabetes has to eat small meals and snacks to keep them going. Unfortunately, it's not that simple.

Both high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) are common in people with diabetes. If there is too much glucose in a person's blood, frequent snacking will only make the condition worse. Each person with diabetes has to have their own eating plan that works for their bodies. This can involve anything from regular small meals to fasting.

4. Eating something really sweet will 'give you' diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is genetic and type 2 is influenced by genetics and other factors. About 80% of cases of type 2 diabetes are linked to lifestyle factors. But if you don't have diabetes and only eat something ridiculously sweet every now and then, the sugar won't automatically 'give you' diabetes.

This doesn't give you a free pass to indulge. People who had one to two servings of soft drinks a day had a 26% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who had no soft drinks or less than one a month. This is according to a review of research published in the journal Diabetes Care.

5. You can't get type 2 diabetes if you lead a healthy lifestyle

Since 80% of type 2 diabetes is triggered by lifestyle factors, it's easy to assume following a healthy eating plan and exercising regularly means you're immune. Unfortunately, there are other factors that can prevent the pancreas from producing enough insulin or prevent the body from responding to insulin normally.

Some medical conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), increase the risk for type 2 diabetes because it's related to insulin resistance. In PCOS, cysts form in your ovaries, and one possible cause is insulin resistance. You could also develop diabetes if you are involved in an accident that damages your pancreas.

So don't rely on assumptions instead of facts. Seek out reputable sources for health information.

If you need help managing your condition, register on the Diabetes Care Programme.

How to Register on the Diabetes Care Programme

Any member registered on the Chronic Illness Benefit for diabetes can join the Diabetes Care Programme.

To access the Diabetes Care Programme:

• Book a consultation with your Premier Plus doctor and ask to be registered on the programme. Access the Find a Provider tool to find a Premier Plus doctor.
• Email Members_DCP@engenmed.co.za with 'register me' in the subject line. Please include your name, surname and membership number in the body of the email.
• Call us directly on 0860 444 439 to speak to one of our care navigators.