Greenwich Hospital has upped the fight against diabetes ahead of the indulgences of the holiday season with a point-by-point refutation of the disease”™s persistent myths.
Among the data points, the hospital said that 9.2% of Connecticut’s population ”“ 257,000 people ”“ is diabetic, with many unaware they are afflicted.
The hospital reports the disease kills more Americans per year than AIDS and breast cancer combined.
“There are many misconceptions about diabetes, which affects millions of Americans nationwide,” said Nancy Ryan, registered dietician/diabetes patient educator at Greenwich Hospital. “Understanding how to prevent and manage the disease can dramatically impact your quality of life.”
“National Diabetes Awareness Month (November) serves as a reminder that diabetes is a potentially devastating disease that can lead to serious medical complications, even death, if left untreated,” the hospital, which maintains the Greenwich Hospital Weight Loss and Diabetes Center, said in a prepared statement.
According to the hospital, the myths about diabetes include:
- Â “Diabetes isn”™t a serious disease.” If not properly managed, diabetes can lead to serious medical consequences, including blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, amputation and possibly death. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
- Â “Diabetes skips a generation.” Type 2 diabetes has a strong genetic component. If you have a family history of diabetes, you have a greater propensity to develop the disease. Other risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain (especially around the middle), ethnicity and age.
- “Most people know they have diabetes.” Diabetes is a silent disorder with symptoms that develop slowly over time. Most people don”™t know they have diabetes until they get their blood sugar levels checked.
- “Only people who are overweight develop diabetes.” Â Being overweight or obese is just one of the risk factors associated with diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes. Many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or are only moderately overweight.
- “Never eat “white” food.” So-called white foods such as potatoes, white rice and pasta ”“ all carbohydrates ”“ can spike blood sugar levels. But so-called “healthier” carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole grain bread, oatmeal and fruit can also impact blood sugar levels. The key to eating a healthy diet is moderation. Be mindful of portion sizes and include a heart healthy fat at every meal ”“ such as avocado, nuts, olive or canola oil, and nut butters ”“ to keep blood sugar levels at an even keel.
- “There”™s nothing you can do to manage diabetes.” People with diabetes can take charge of their health to effectively manage the disease and even reverse the disease, in some cases. Health experts recommend adhering to a healthy diet with a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates and heart healthy fats. Physical activity helps, too. Experts suggest getting 30 minutes of exercise five days a week ”“ it can be as simple as walking around your neighborhood or taking a stroll during your lunch break at work. If you take medication, stick to your drug regimen and test your blood as often as necessary to ensure you”™re on track. The bottom line: Good diabetes control can reduce your risks for diabetes complications.
For more information on diabetes, contact Greenwich Hospital”™s Weight Loss and Diabetes Center is 203-863-2939.
