Do you know the facts about type 2 diabetes? Read each statement and decide if you think it is “Fact” or “Fiction.”
1. As long as I feel fine, my type 2 diabetes isn’t doing any damage.
Fiction. Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious health problems, like heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. Many people have type 2 diabetes, but don’t have any symptoms. Take the medicines that your doctor prescribes for your diabetes, even if you feel fine.
2. You can have type 2 diabetes without knowing it.
Fact. Sometimes people don’t notice the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. The symptoms are often blamed on other illnesses or on aging. Millions of Americans have diabetes and don’t know it.
3. Only older, overweight people are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Fiction. Being overweight or older are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. But slim people can also develop it. For instance, Asian Americans, who are generally slim, are at high risk. And, each year, more young people develop it.
4. Eating healthy and being active are important for managing type 2 diabetes.
Fact. Lifestyle changes, like eating healthy and being active, are important steps to help you control your blood sugar.
Many people with diabetes need one or more medicines, along with eating healthy foods and being more active. But medicine can’t do everything. Being active and eating healthy are still important for keeping type 2 diabetes from getting worse.
5. People with type 2 diabetes don’t need to worry about checking their blood sugar.
Fiction. Testing your blood sugar often lets your doctor know if your treatment is working. Controlling your blood sugar can help reduce your risk of diabetes-related problems.
Make sure your doctor tests your A1c at least twice a year. You may need your level checked more often if you are not at your A1c goal or if your treatment changes. A1c measures your average blood sugar level over two to three months. It is the best way to check your blood-sugar control long term.
You’ve seen that some common beliefs about type 2 diabetes aren’t necessarily true. Knowing the difference between fact and fiction is the first step to understanding and dealing with type 2 diabetes.
