(Image Source https://www.diabetesvic.org.au)
This week is #NationalDiabetesWeek and we wanted to share some busted myths from Diabetes Victoria.
Myth #1 You have diabetes, you shouldn’t eat this
Fact 1: People with diabetes can eat what everyone else can eat.
Healthy eating is important for everyone – no matter if you have diabetes or not. People with diabetes do not need ‘special foods’ and there is no need for a zero-sugar diet.
Myth #2 You have diabetes, you shouldn’t play sport
Fact 2: People with diabetes can play all types of sport and reach elite levels.
Exercise is good for everyone. As well as keeping fit and having fun, exercise is good for people living with diabetes as it can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Just like everyone else, people with diabetes can play professional footy, compete in the Olympic Games, run marathons, cycle the Tour de France – or simply go for a run to stay fit.
Myth #3 People with diabetes don’t live long lives.
Fact 3: People with diabetes can live long and fulfilling lives.
There is no cure for any type of diabetes. Once diabetes has been diagnosed, you will have to manage the condition for the rest of your life. But this doesn’t mean that it will be a short life. Just ask any of our Kellion Victory Medal recipients who have lived and aged with diabetes for at least five decades.
Myth #4 Only overweight people get diabetes.
Fact 4: People with diabetes come in all shapes and sizes.
Being overweight can be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but it’s certainly not the only one. People with diabetes look like everybody else – they come in all shapes, sizes, ages, gender identities and ethnicities.
Myth #5 People with diabetes can’t do certain jobs
Fact 5: People living with diabetes can strive for most jobs.
Some decades ago, there were many restrictions on the jobs and careers that people with diabetes could have. But times have changed, and so has diabetes management. Modern technologies and treatments mean it is much easier to manage and monitor everyday glucose levels. This means that most people can do whatever job they choose.
Nobody can discriminate against people with diabetes anymore. With few exceptions, people with diabetes can make their own career choices. They can teach, become a doctor, join the police force on a case-by-case basis, run their own business, safely drive a range of transport vehicles or even fly private airplanes.
(Source https://www.diabetesvic.org.au)
Our Credentialled Diabetes Nurse Educators can help you manage your diabetes.
Our next Healthy Living with Diabetes program starts 2 August at our Glen Waverley site.
Call 1300 552 509 to book your place or visit www.linkhc.org.au
