Four myths about diabetes | BNN

"If a person gets treatment from a doctor, the disease usually clears up quickly. However, it is possible that the visit to the doctor is delayed because of the belief in a specific method or dietary supplement that is then "experienced". Also, for example, when you start with a patient who is talking about being overweight, I hear an outrageous question: "What is the link between being overweight and getting diabetes?" Patients are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that overweight increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Thus, one can see how much lack of knowledge can endanger human health, "says Yelizaveta Sokolovska, PhD. postdoctoral education of the University of Latvia (LUMPI).

Here are four myths about diabetes:

Myth: Diabetes is a judgment

The doctor discovers that one of the myths encountered in everyday life is that the diagnosis of diabetes ends in a normal life, but that is not true. "If you have a diagnosis of diabetes, you should not have immediate disability or prepare for the development of serious diabetic complications. Yes, diabetes is a chronic disease, it requires self-discipline of the patient and a change of lifestyle, but with all the recommendations and focusing on his health, it is possible to maintain a good work capacity and a good health for many years, "recalls Sokolovska.

Myth: If I do not feel the symptoms, I can not heal

Sometimes people, thinking about their health, think that if there is no complaint, I can not take medication. However, this position can lead to even more serious health problems. It reminds the endocrinologist Sokolovska: "The increase in blood sugar gradually damages the body, especially the blood vessels. Thus, even in the absence of initial symptoms, vision or progression of heart disease may deteriorate in a few years. "

Myth: Insulin is not necessary for treating type 1 diabetes

One of the most absurd myths my patients have heard from my doctor is to pretend that insulin is not necessary for treating type 1 diabetes. But this myth can be easily refuted by facts. "Unfortunately, in type 1 diabetes, pancreatic insulin-producing cells die. Therefore, help can only be given by injecting insulin regularly. In some cases, a transplantation of the pancreas or its cells is performed, but it can not be qualified as a cure because the patient must use immunosuppressive therapy to maintain the graft. Expectations for stem cell research give hope. In some studies, the injection of such cells in diabetic patients has shown a different level of insulin recovery, but there is still a long way to go before a real therapy in this region, "says the doctor .

Myth: When reading information on the Internet, it is not necessary to consult a doctor.

Nowadays, one of the main problems is the desire of people to search all the information on the Internet, and not with professionals. The endocrinologist Sokolovska admits that the information available on the Internet is also one of the main causes of the myth. "There is a lack of factual information in the media and on websites. People do not need the advice of a doctor about serious illnesses. Instead, information is sought in an Internet forum where most of you can get answers from someone who does not have medical training. People also tend to believe ads, including various dietary supplements, as well as non-traditional medicine options. You should never forget that diabetes is a serious disease, and if your doctor prescribes a drug, it is unlikely that you can control your blood sugar, "says your doctor.

In discussing ways to combat this problem, Sokolovska admits that people should start educating at an early age and that knowledge of the subject should last a lifetime. "In my opinion, this type of education should start at school and continue in vocational schools, universities and workplaces. Are we teaching healthy eating in schools? You explain why you have to fight? The public needs knowledge about health, the most common acute and chronic diseases and their prevention, "said Sokolovska.