Have you just been diagnosed with diabetes? If so, you may be having a variety of feelings. Maybe you are angry or upset with your condition. Maybe you are sad. Perhaps you’re just curious. You have lots of questions. Why am I diagnosed? What do I do? What is diabetes? Read on for answers to all of your questions as well as some famous diabetic myths debunked.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus (shortened to diabetes) is a serious health condition that doesn’t allow your cells to permit glucose due to lack of insulin. Insulin is a natural hormone that comes from the pancreas. It’s impossible to grow without it. Diabetes occurs when insulin is not being produced in the body, causing glucose to not be absorbed so it remains in your blood, causing very high blood sugar.
Why am I diagnosed?
If you have been diagnosed with Type One Diabetes, most likely your pancreas produces no insulin, making it impossible to stay energized and develop. If you have Type Two Diabetes, your pancreas may not produce any insulin or your body fails to use insulin correctly. Both conditions are equally serious.
What do I do?
Take action. Test your blood sugar. Take insulin injections if you need them. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Breathe and remember diabetes is a common condition and you are not alone.
What have I heard about diabetes that isn’t true?
For starters, diabetes doesn’t mean you are a failure. It means your body doesn’t produce enough insulin for you to grow and develop. Diabetes develops naturally- don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Have you been told that diabetics can’t eat anything sweet? Don’t believe that for a minute. Sweets won’t cause a sudden health crisis. It’s okay to have them in moderation. However, make sure to limit sugary foods. Your doctor or health provider will provide you with specific information on when you can eat sugary snacks.
Perhaps you’ve heard diabetes is contagious and can be spread by casual contact or speaking with someone with diabetes. Diabetes is not infectious. Contracting it depends on your pancreas’s abilities. So you can still be around people if you have diabetes.
Hopefully you are now better educated on what diabetes is and why you have it. Keep watching for another post proving more diabetic myths false. Thank you!
