
- With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
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Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
Nancy Klobassa Davidson and Peggy Moreland
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., B.S.N, C.D.E
Nancy Klobassa Davidson is a registered nurse who has worked in diabetes education for 17 years. She is a certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.) and is currently in graduate school working on a Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) and health care education.Nancy works with adults who have type 1, type 2 and other forms of diabetes. Nancy is coordinator of the Diabetes Unit's intensive insulin therapy program within the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Nancy has worked extensively with insulin pump therapy and continuous interstitial glucose sensing.
Peggy Moreland, R.N., M.S.N.
Peggy Moreland is a certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.) in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.Peggy graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and Health Care Education from the University of Phoenix and is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association. A certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.), Peggy enjoys working with patients to set and achieve diabetes self-management goals.
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Aug. 4, 2011
Blog: Top 10 diabetes myths
By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
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
224 comments posted
June 26, 2012 3:36 p.m.
The tingling feeling in the finger tips is not a side effect of Metformin and may indicate the nerve endings in the finger tips have been irritated from high blood glucoses. Additionally, if you are not on a hyperglycemic drug to lower the blood glucose it is rare to have hypoglycemia. Nights sweats occur with other conditions and you should talk to your health care provider.
- Nancy and Peggy
June 24, 2012 10:01 a.m.
i'm a 63 yo male i am diagnosed type2 7 yrs i lost 50lbs increased exercise gave up white food no alchol a1c 6.3 podiatrist prescibed metanyx for foot neuroparhy couldn't afford have been taking vitB complex & much relieved recently i awoke in drenching sweat although temp 60F. ??? hypoglycemic?? your thoughts please
- muck
June 18, 2012 8:09 p.m.
I am 66 years of age. I was diagnosed Tyoe II 3 years ago. Recently I started to feel a tingling sensation in the tips of my fingers. Around the same time I was started on Metformin. Could the tingling be a side effect of this new medication?
- Alan
April 16, 2012 7:52 a.m.
I am type 2 diabetic, but I also have high cholesterol and don't think I can take a medication for it as I already take mercaptopurine for another health problem this medication effects my liver,how do I get the cholesterol down???
- Barbara
March 30, 2012 5:20 p.m.
Does eating too much sugar cause diabetes?
- jackie
March 25, 2012 6:09 p.m.
our son was eleven when we found out he was TYPE one...it has been four years now and he is one of the healthest teenagers around...he knows about carb counting and handles this all very well...we are very active as parents and this has proven to be a strong factor in his positive learning. We feel parents really need to support the child in living with this and believe you mean it has not been easy sometimes..but just think of it this way parents..the next time you have to make sure you cook the right carbs when you do not feel like cooking..remember he has this forever and will always have to cook proper everytime so suck it up and show him the right way..
- Debra
March 17, 2012 9:39 a.m.
THANKS FOR BEAUTIUL ARTICLE
- RAKESH
March 14, 2012 4:32 p.m.
How do you feel about the Alktins Diet? If you are not eating no red meat.. but chicken, fish and turkey.
- Stacey
March 8, 2012 8:19 a.m.
My child (boy, 12 years old, athletic) loves sweets-his grand father had type 1 or 2 diabetes. What are my child's risk factors
- Cecile
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
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224 comments posted