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    Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

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  • Living with diabetes blog

  • Aug. 4, 2011

    Blog: Top 10 diabetes myths

    By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

190 comments posted

This blog is the first in a two-part series in which we discuss the top 10 diabetes myths.

Hello, bloggers. I've been looking at articles from a number of popular diabetes magazines and other resources about diabetes myths. Each one seems to have its own list of the top five or 10 diabetes myths.

I decided to develop my own list of the top 10 diabetes myths that I've heard as a diabetes educator at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. I'll reveal five this week, five next week.

Here goes (drum roll).

I have borderline diabetes or just a touch of diabetes.

Either you have it or you don't. Two fasting blood sugar readings over 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L); a random blood glucose over 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L); or an A1C of 6.5 percent or higher are all considered diabetes.

I don't know why I got diabetes, I never eat sweets.

Just about everything you eat is converted into glucose — sugar — so for most people with type 2 diabetes, what you eat is not as important as how much you eat. When you overeat, you're adding extra calories your body doesn't need for energy, so your body will convert these extra calories into fat. Being overweight is a predisposing factor for developing diabetes. 

I can't eat carbohydrates; it makes my blood sugars go high.

Of course they do — even people who don't have diabetes will see an elevation in their blood glucose after eating. Carbohydrates should be approximately 50 percent of your daily food intake each day. Carbohydrates are your fuel, without them you will have little energy.

If I have to go on insulin; that must mean my diabetes is really bad.

You know, insulin has gotten a bad rap through the years. It's the blood glucose control that determines whether you go on insulin; if diet alone or diet along with oral or noninsulin-injectable diabetes medication(s) is not controlling the blood glucose, insulin is necessary.

Insulin causes complications of diabetes.

Again, insulin has gotten a bad rap. Insulin is a natural hormone and is probably one of the safest medications around. Insulin helps control the blood glucose, which in turn slows down or prevents diabetes complications.

Your thoughts? What are some of the diabetes myths you have come across?

Have a great week,

Nancy

190 comments posted

blog index

  • January 29, 2012 11:29 p.m.

    My niece who has type 1 diabetes seems a little pale. she is very active but are there any supplements we can concider for her that do not contain sugar? She is only 6 years old

    - Dina

  • January 28, 2012 10:54 p.m.

    I'm a pre diabetic i have lost 21 lbs which i hate i'm too skinny and need to gain weight i eat small things all day i take my one pill metoformin with my breakfast but i have spikes after dinner sometimes it's high 2hours after i eat like tonight it was 192 i was shocked i do not what to go on insulin i did eat a small ribeye and alittle to much wheat bread at outback tonight i do work out not like i should i just can't aford to lose anymore weight i weigh 95 lbs but i am only 5 ft going to a endoconolist feb7 but they were more concerned if i were having low's i do not have that ever please help !!!!

    - Kathy

  • January 18, 2012 11:02 p.m.

    Are you kidding me? Carbs should be 50% of your diet? That's irresponsible.

    - Tom

  • January 11, 2012 8:43 a.m.

    I have decided to go carbohydrate eliminating diet after noticing my glucose level just elaborates with portionated meal I have struggle to meet. Yes, just about everything is carbohydrate food, but I choose nuts, lean meat, allowing me sugar free chocolate occasionally. Am I wrong or is there something important like complication occuring factors that I am missing in the way of my diet?,please help.

    - type one struggler

  • December 26, 2011 11:17 a.m.

    My wife has diabetes. Two hrs after she eats it might rise 1 or 2 points. What is happening to the glucose. There seems to be nothing steady about her levles. Where does the glucose go when two hrs after a meal when she doesn't take a shot the level only goes up 1 point?

    - Ernie

  • December 20, 2011 10:27 a.m.

    Sharon: You are commended for all your efforts making lifestyle changes! The one thing we cannot control is our family genetics and you have a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. However, because you have made these lifestyle changes you are slowing the progression to type 2 diabetes.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • November 29, 2011 6:53 p.m.

    Here in Mexico a frequent Myth is that the use of insulin makes you blind, there is a huge problem with some patients to make them understand that is not true.

    - Frank

  • November 14, 2011 8:44 a.m.

    Extremely helpful knowledge, can't wait to read the next 5. I am 15 and have been on metmorfin for over a year for glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. I'm just learning about diabetes, they consider me pre-diabetic. Thanks for the information.

    - Lori

  • November 4, 2011 8:49 p.m.

    Nancy posted on 10 myths surrounding Diabetes saying, "Insulin is a natural hormone and is probably one of the safest medications around." i have just recently been diagnosed with type II Diabetes and am researching the pros and cons of the numerous medications out there for diabetes. After reading Nancy's blog, my question is this. Rather than taking Metformin, Actos or other prescribed diabetic medication that has numerous risks associated with them, why not just do insulin? Why is insulin only considered after recommended oral meds are found ineffective?

    - Phyllis

  • November 1, 2011 10:43 a.m.

    Nancy and Peggy: I am 58, with a family history of Type II diabetes (my mother and her siblings). Seven years ago I had my first fasting Glucose of 100, the following year, 102. So I got busy with lifestyle changes: I lost 35 lbs (am 5'3" and have maintained 132-135 for the past 3 years), I have been working with a trainer 3X/week for 4 years, and do 2-3 additional days of cardio. I lead an active lifestyle, hiking, biking and kayaking 1-3 per week on a regular basis. I eat a healthy diet of whole foods and lots of vegetables/fruits, primarily fish/chicken. I don't smoke. I do consume alcohol, but not daily. My blood pressure is 90-100/75 and I have low cholesterol. Last week I had another fasting glucose test and it is now 104!!! What else can I do? Is it inevitable that I will become a diabetic? Please tell me what to do as I do NOT want to develop the disease if I can possibly help it. Thank you.

    - Sharon

  • October 23, 2011 12:06 p.m.

    Nancy, Thank you so much for the information.

    - Leslie

  • October 21, 2011 6:10 p.m.

    Cindy, if you're following the diet that's recommended by the ADA or most doctors, dietitians and nutritionists, of course your diabetes symptoms will get worse. The primary key for treating Type II diabetes is to dramatically lower your carbohydrate intake. You do NOT need 50% of your calories from carbohydrate unless you want to be a FAT, INSULIN-DEPENDENT Diabetic. I have a maximum of between 5 and 10% of my calories from carbohydrate and feel fine. It takes anywhere from a few days to two weeks to adjust to low-carb lifestyle, but once you do, it's great. I have the energy I need, even as someone that does sub-4 hour 100km bike rides - all with a degenerative spinal condition. I now eat LCHF (Low-Carb, High-Fat) and organic/natural foods whenever possible. My A1c literally dropped to less than HALF what it was (12.1 to 6.0) and my BG's are almost always in the normal range, with no spikes into dangerous levels. My lipid profile is improved also! Anyway, it's just my feeling if your numbers aren't going down, and if you're still producing insulin, that you need to drop the carbs as much as possible until your numbers stabilize. Good luck!

    - AlbertaBeef

  • October 21, 2011 12:14 p.m.

    Can anyne explain what is "charcot foot" and what are its consecuences over a period of time?

    - Mercedes

  • October 16, 2011 5:26 p.m.

    I was just diagnosed with pre-type 2 diabetes. During my first 2 weeks of taking my glucose readings my levels stayed consistent 90-135. the doc put me on metformin 500mg once a day. That was a month ago. Since the increase my blood glucose level have increase to 103-176. I do not understand this, I have change everything, the way I eat, exercising, ect.ect.. He just increased my Metformin to two pills a day. I still follow the diet and exercise plan but feel like Im doing something wrong. I am so confused as to why my glucose is increasing! can anyone help me understand what is going on. SO CONFUSED!!! ty Cindy

    - Cindy

  • September 16, 2011 6:18 p.m.

    i didn't become diabetic until i used zyprexa for a couple years. now i use abilify but am still diabetic.

    - jack

  • August 25, 2011 4:38 p.m.

    The Truth: Measurable indications of diabetes are as follows: Fasting Plasma Glucose(FPG) - >99 (mg/dl) Glucose tolerance (OGTT) 2 hours after meal - > 139 (mg/dl) A1c > 5.7 % For the real truth about DIABETES you need to go to: www.AmericanDiabetesAdvocates.org

    - Maximo

  • August 16, 2011 3:04 p.m.

    AHHHHH sigh. Thank you! I needed to read that. I am 33 and diagnosed with Type 1 - 2 years ago. Although, at times I get frustrated with being diabetic and having to do insulin shots; I am very very grateful to be a diabetic in this day and age. Insulin and needles now days is safe and more convient than it has ever been. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have it. I'm here because of it! and will be for a very long time! Keep your heads up diabetics!!!

    - Cassie

  • August 15, 2011 3:52 p.m.

    Fran, Type 2 diabetes : In recent studies, adults given vitamin D supplementation were shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • August 15, 2011 2:08 p.m.

    Pam: The American Diabetes Association discusses diabetes and alcohol thoroughly. Here is the link: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/alcohol.html

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • August 15, 2011 2:06 p.m.

    Obe: Since you have recently had hand surgery and are having tingling you should ask your surgeon about the tingling in your fingers.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • August 15, 2011 2:04 p.m.

    Chuck: The best way to control high blood glucose is through diet, exercise, and diabetes medication/insulin.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • August 14, 2011 12:40 a.m.

    @Fran, I appreciate Nancy and Peggy's efforts, and look for answers here and elsewhere. To demand an answer from someone who is not your primary care provider seems to me to be a bit unrealistic. Always get your final answer from your physician, not a blog or other website. Just my opinion

    - Joe

  • August 13, 2011 1:01 p.m.

    i'm a diabetic an i had a trigger finder operation and now i have tingling in my fingers on one hand and in 3 fingers on the other,is this nerve damage or what?

    - obe

  • August 11, 2011 11:19 p.m.

    Asked this same question a week ago! Will iron supplements help with abnormally high glucose readings?? I read that this could be a problem with some high readings?

    - Chuck

  • August 10, 2011 10:23 a.m.

    Nancy and Peggy, why don't you answer these questions? 99% of the questions go unanswered as far as I can see. Either you're there and ready to answer each and every question and do this job or this is a waste of time and a waste of hopes for answers.

    - Fran

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