Diabetes: A Growing Concern for Australians & New Zealanders

Diabetes is Australia’s fastest-growing chronic disease, increasing at a faster rate than other chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. It is arguably one of the biggest challenges our healthcare system is facing right now. In 2020, it ranked seventh in the leading causes of death in Australia with 5,148 deaths. With approximately 1.7 million Australians living with the condition, and an estimated 228,000 New Zealanders diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes alone, it’s a topic that we should all be paying attention to.

Why are Diabetes myths so prevalent?

There are several reasons why there is a lot of misinformation surrounding Diabetes. It is mainly because Diabetes is a complex condition and a lot of the information about it can often be conflicting and confusing. This can make it difficult for people to know what to believe and who to trust. As a result, many people end up believing false information about Diabetes, which can further complicate their understanding of the condition. False information about Diabetes can oftentimes be harmful and can lead to an unfair stigma around the condition.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common myths associated with Diabetes, to clarify and help you separate what's fact from fiction.

1. Myth: All types of Diabetes are the same

The Facts: There are three main types of Diabetes; each is a serious and complex condition:

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition with no known cause. The immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. As a result, ongoing blood glucose monitoring and regular insulin injections, or an insulin pump, are required.

Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive condition, where the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, or gradually reduces insulin production. The risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes can be affected by family history, ethnicity and lifestyle.

Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women, as blood glucose levels rise above normal levels. It generally goes away once the baby is born, although it can increase the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life. 

2. Myth: Diabetes is preventable

The Facts: While research is progressing each year, the causes of Diabetes are still largely unknown. Two of the biggest risk factors known today are genetics and family history.

There is currently no way to prevent Type 1 Diabetes, and it is not currently linked to any lifestyle risk factors.

Evidence does show that certain steps can help reduce the risk of developing gestational and Type 2 Diabetes, including improved physical exercise and diet.

3. Myth: Only people who are overweight will develop Diabetes

The Facts: While obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes and gestational Diabetes, there is no direct causality. People at a healthy weight can also develop Diabetes because there are other risk factors involved including family history, age, ethnicity, and high blood pressure.

Type 1 Diabetes is not preventable, and it is not associated with weight, diet, or exercise.

4. Myth: People with Diabetes can’t eat sugar

The Facts: While Diabetes does affect blood glucose levels, when eaten as part of a healthy diet, alongside exercise, people with Diabetes can enjoy sweets and desserts in moderation. People with Diabetes should consult a healthcare provider for expertise in developing a healthy nutritional plan, and advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst living with Diabetes.

5. Myth: Blindness and amputation are inevitable for diabetics

The Facts: It's true that Diabetes can lead to blood vessel damage in the long run, which in turn leads to complications like blindness and amputation. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, people with Diabetes can totally avoid these complications.

There are a few things that diabetics can do to help prevent blindness, amputation, and other complications. First, it is important to have regular checkups with a healthcare provider to monitor blood glucose levels and catch any potential problems early. Second, diabetics should make sure to keep their blood pressure under control by having a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and by staying active. Lastly, it is important for diabetics to keep physical or mental stressors at bay because stress can cause blood glucose levels to rise.

6. Myth: People with Diabetes can't be active

The Facts: This is true to some extent as people with Diabetes might need to take certain precautions depending on their health status. But staying active is one of the best ways for diabetics to improve their glucose control. Exercise, including both aerobic and resistance training, is an important part of managing Diabetes and has many health benefits including controlling blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of complications, and even improving insulin sensitivity.

Related reading: What stops older people from exercising and how you can help

7. Myth: Only adults get Diabetes

The Facts: While it is true that adults are more likely to develop Diabetes, the condition can also occur in children. In fact, Type 1 Diabetes is the most common form of Diabetes in children, and there are around 11,000 Australian children and teenagers living with Diabetes.

Take control of Diabetes Management with Tunstall

Diabetes is a complex and lifelong disease, but it’s also one that we can understand and manage with the right information, the right lifestyle, and the right tools.

Contact us for more information on how our Connected Care solutions can transform your Diabetes management today.