It is a health problem that can occur at any age. It involves little or no production of an insulin hormone in the pancreas. Here are its popular myths.
You cannot participate in any sports if you have type 1 diabetesThis is basically an unscientific approach that people who suffer from diabetes type 1 cannot take active part in sports. You can see living examples like Gary Hall Jr., the professional swimmer, who won a gold medal in Olympics, and Mark Helprin, the professional hockey player. They are excellent in their fields though being victims of diabetes type 1. Some simple precautionary measures can make you perform better than a normal individual in the various sporting events. These precautions are keeping a source of sugar within the accessible range in case there is a sudden drop of blood sugar level, periodic health checkup throughout the workout session and consumption of plenty of fluids.You should never eat anything sugary if you have type 1 diabetesThis notion, that avoiding sugar is mandatory in case of diabetes type 1, is an age old belief. It originated when the practice of carb counting was not discovered. Now, it is a myth. With the practice of carb counting there are not many restrictions in consuming sugar based foods. But, it should be carefully adjusted with the right amount of insulin intake to nullify its derogatory effects on the patient. It is also essential to be conservative about the intake of food containing simultaneously both fat and cholesterol, as excess quantity of these can lead to cardiac and vascular problems in patients suffering from type 1 diabetes. The balanced intake, as determined by a nutritionist states that three grams of fat for every 100 calories is the perfect measure to have an overall balance of sugar intake.Nothing can prevent a patient of type 1 diabetes from developing complicationsAlthough complications are inevitable in cases of patients of diabetes type 1 as with any other disease, but there are a number of measures which can lessen their intensity. Thus, the statement that no prevention works in case of diabetes type 1 is false. A regimented monitoring of blood sugar level keeps the condition fairly within the control of the patient. It is not uncommon that there can be occasional fluctuations in the level of blood sugar. But, that can also be kept within control by keeping a bottle of sugar handy and swallowing it when sugar level falls.Women suffering from type 1 diabetes must abstain from motherhoodDiabetes is a disease that is passed from one generation to the other. Therefore, diabetic fathers or the mothers of kids can pass on their disease to the offspring. This fact led the theory that women suffering from diabetes type 1 should not get pregnant. But, now the theory does not hold any significance at all and it is no better than a myth. Diabetic women can also conceive without any risk of passing on the ailment to their children. This is only possible due to the advancements in medical science and invention of treatments and medicines. Diabetic women need to adhere strictly to some precautions and medications throughout and after their pregnancy to keep their baby safe.Only kids suffer from type 1 diabetesA common idea among most people is that diabetes type 1 only occurs in kids. And that when an individual attains adulthood, he or she is exempted from the fear of diabetes type 1. This is completely a myth. It originated because more cases of the disease have been reported to be found among kids. But, the prevalence of the disease is found among young teenagers as well as adults. It can affect a person at any point in his or her lifetime.Only diet and medicine can cure type 1 diabetes completely and prevent its recurrenceAlthough, it is quite true that you can control your condition when you adhere to a strict dietary regime and regimented medications, but it is also true that diabetes is more a condition than a disease. So, there is nothing that can cure the disease completely. There are certain factors that can increase the sugar level in blood. Some of the triggers of diabetes are stress, tension, faulty lifestyle, hormonal changes, period of growth of the body, etc. which can spur the rise of blood sugar level. So, the statement can be said to be a myth. Once detected, continuous monitoring throughout life and following the subsequent precautions are the only way to keep diabetes type 1 at bay.Type 1 diabetes causes permanent impotencyEven though there is a direct connect between sexual life and diabetes, but it does not lead to permanent impotency. Men experience premature ejaculation due to diabetes. This is only experienced in severe cases of diabetes type 1, but is only a temporary phase. With medication and treatment, the impotency gets cured. Thus, there is no reason to rely upon this false statement.
