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Like all complicated matters there are certain misunderstandings regarding Diabetes.

Today I want to dispel some myths regarding diabetes.

Here is a list of the questions that I will be discussing:
Can get diabetes from someone else?
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
People with diabetes eventually go blind
It’s not safe to drive if you have diabetes
People with diabetes can’t play sport
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
People with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or grapes
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods

Now for some serious myth bashing…

Can get diabetes from someone else?
Although we don’t know exactly why some people get diabetes, we know that diabetes is not contagious – You cannot get it from others. There is a chance that a person whose parents or brothers and sisters have diabetes might get diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. But lifestyle factors also play a part.

Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a combination of inherited and lifestyle factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your family, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended to control your weight.

Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
There is no such thing as mild or borderline diabetes. All diabetes is equally serious, and if not properly controlled can lead to serious complications.

People with diabetes eventually go blind
Although diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age, research has proved you can reduce your chances of developing diabetes complications – such as damage to your eyes – if you:
• Control your blood pressure and glucose levels
• Keep active
• Maintain your ideal body weight
• Give up smoking

It’s not safe to drive if you have diabetes
Providing you are responsible and have good control of your diabetes, research shows that people with diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone else. Nevertheless, the myth that people with diabetes are not safe persists

People with diabetes can’t play sport
Pakistan’s famous all-rounder Wasim Akram has diabetes; many other people with diabetes take part in active sports. People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active can help avoid complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease. There may be some considerations to take into account with your diabetes before taking up a new exercise regime – talk to your doctor for more information.

People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you’ve got diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu vaccinations. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose control, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with Type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.

People with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate
Sweets and chocolate can be eaten by people with diabetes just like the rest of us, if eaten as part of a healthy diet. Remember that confectionery foods tend to be higher in fat and calories too so for this reason they should be limited especially if you’re trying to lose weight.

People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or grapes
All fruit and vegetables are extremely good for you. Eating more can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, some cancers and some gut problems. You should aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This also helps to improve the overall balance of the diet. Eating a variety of different fruit and vegetables ensure you get the maximum benefit.

People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods
Diabetic versions of foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, contain just as much fat and calories, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect. The healthy diet for people with diabetes is the same as that recommended for everyone – low in fat, salt and sugar, with meals including starchy foods like bread and pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Dr Sherry Chandy is a Medical Domain Specialist at Yos Technologies.

He is a medical doctor and ophthalmologist by profession and has special interests in enabling better health care through the use of information technology.

For more such useful information and diabetes care tools which help you to Control Diabetes effectively and to see a video of me explaining the six steps to control your blood sugar levels go to

http://diabetescare.yoscare.in/diabetes_information

Alternative medicine can be described as a set of care that is not considered to be a part of the conventional medical and health system. This includes a very large variety if services and care that although are labeled as alternative are quite popular.

It is important to be careful when seeking alternative medicine that it does not interact negatively with your present health care treatment or your body. Alternative medicine is available for just about every ailment or problem and sometimes can be considered experimental.

Regardless of what the ailment is, the one that is certain is that some research should be done before starting the treatment. This way, any risks that are involved can be carefully watched out for, or if it sounds too risky, then you can decide not to follow through with it. The other thing that is necessary when using alternative treatments, is that if it is a therapy that is administered by someone else, make sure that they have the necessary credentials and are practicing safe treatment. You want to keep your body safe as the top priority.

Alternative medicine can involve diet, supplements, products, and treatments. One of the most popular alternative treatments is natural herbs. Natural herbs can be taken for many different things. Some of these include depression, exhaustion, arthritis, cancer, and many others. There is plenty of research available on the natural herbs that people take. There are some out there that are not safe and therefore should be avoided. Research will determine which ones are unsafe. Some are considered unsafe for specific people, for instance, pregnant women.

Another common alternative medicine used by many people is exercise. Exercise can help with many different health concerns. This involves arthritis, rehabilitation, depression, obesity, and many others. Exercise can be safe as long as it is monitored by a trainer or other professional. Exercise can be dangerous for people who have heart conditions and other health problems and should be monitored to ensure the safest treatment possible.

Another popular alternative treatment is acupuncture. Acupuncturists have certification and therefore can be gauged as safe as long as the person is certified. Acupuncture is said to help with muscle pain, back problems, head aches, weight loss, and many other different health concerns. Acupuncture is an ancient tradition and is considered a natural treatment. It involves tiny needles being placed in very specific locations.

One of the most common alternative treatments is hot and cold therapy. This is used for many different ailments involving muscle pain and spasms, joint pain, and several other diseases. When seeking therapy the key is to be as safe as possible and to trust your gut and not involved with something that makes you uncomfortable.

Martin Richfield has been involved in online business since 1996. He uses article marketing as his primary traffic source. He has been involved in a number of industries which gives him the knowledge to write on a broad range of subjects. For more details go to: http://anxiety.smartbizzness.com

The Truth About Diabetes

All There Is to Know About Alternative Medicine