Diabetes- Your Questions Answered

My father-in law has diabetes and while visiting him l became interested in finding out about it to see if what l thought was true was actually true or a myth. So here it is.

Question: Can eating too much sugar causes diabetes?

Real response: Medical experts now know that diabetes is caused by a number of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight increases your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. So if you have a family history of diabetes, make sure yu maintain your weight between the desired range for you height and sex.

Question: Are sweets and chocolates off limits to people with diabetes?

Real response: Everything in moderation is the key. A balance and healthy diet is a must.

Question: Do all diabetics have to take insulin injections?

Real answer: "Injected insulin is usually only necessary for those with Type 1 diabetes, in which the body no longer produces it own insulin. Those with Type 2 generally have plenty of insulin, but their bodies don't respond well to it. Most type 2 cases can be helped without medication, by losing weight, adopting a healthier diet, increasing exercise and other lifestyle changes. (By the way, insulin cannot be taken as a pill, as the hormone would be broken down during digestion just like the protein in food. Insulin must be injected into the fat under the skin for it to get into your blood.)"

Question: If you have diabetes, do you have to stay away from starchy foods like bread, potatoes and pasta?

Real answer: Whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta, brown rice and corn should all be included as part of a healthy meal plan and. They are high in complex carbohydrates, are also a good source of fiber. The main thing is how big a serving is taken, and most should only have three or four servings a day.

Question: Can only adults develop Type 2 Diabetes?

Real answer: " Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in school-aged children. About 1 in every 400 to 600 children has type 1 diabetes, which was used to be called "juvenile diabetes," which is caused by disruption of the pancreas' ability to produce insulin. However, in recent years more and more children and teens have become overweight (10 to 15 percent, about double the number of two decades ago), and so increasing numbers of young people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. According to several studies, since 1994, cases have increased from less than 5 percent to between 30 and 50 percent. Two million of those age 12 to 19 (or 1 in 6 overweight adolescents) have pre-diabetes."

(source: everydayhealth.com)