Over 3 million Canadians have type 2 diabetes and the number is growing. Our Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute has one of the top diabetes research teams in the world – there is still much to learn about the causes of the disease and the best way to treat it. For Diabetes Awareness Month we spoke with leaders from our Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes which sees over 20,000 diabetes patient visits each year and is the referral centre for the most difficult and complex diabetes cases. Gail MacNeill, Clinical Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist and Dr. Bruce Perkins, Director, offer some Myths and Facts.
Myth: Type 2 diabetes is curable with the right diet and exercise.
Fact: There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, with treatment which may include medication and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, some people may have a remission and maintain normal blood sugar levels. The reason it is considered a remission instead of a cure is because the individual’s body still has impaired metabolic function in how it manages blood sugar. Research is underway to find a more permanent treatment for this condition and Sinai Health System has one of the top diabetes teams in the world in its Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute.
Myth: Type 2 is a result of bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyle and being overweight.
Fact: While these are all factors that may contribute to type 2 diabetes, the actual cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood. Lifestyle and genetics are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes. Two people may have the exact same lifestyles, but only one of them will develop type 2 diabetes. It is important not to assign blame on yourself or anybody else for developing this condition. The focus should be on managing the condition with a healthy lifestyle and medication as needed.
Myth: People with type 2 diabetes must eliminate all carbohydrates from their diet.
Fact: A healthy, balanced diet including carbohydrates is recommended in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. People with type 2 diabetes should monitor their carbohydrate consumption more closely to ensure that they have enough energy, while not causing high blood sugar.
Myth: Women with gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
Fact: While studies have shown that women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in their future, it is far from a forgone conclusion. There may be things that you can do to reduce your risk, including maintaining a healthy body weight, eating balanced meals with lots of vegetables, and exercising regularly – for example walking for at least 30 minutes five days per week.
Myth: If you take insulin you have type 1 diabetes.
Fact: Many people with type 2 diabetes also use insulin. Some people can manage their blood sugar levels through healthy lifestyle choices and with the addition of other medications. However, as type 2 diabetes progresses, medication and lifestyle changes alone may not be enough and insulin can be a safe and effective treatment for keeping you healthy.
Myth: Having type 2 diabetes means you can never eat sugar, sweets or desserts again.
Fact: All foods can fit into a healthy, well balanced diet. It may mean limiting sweets and decreasing portion sizes, while ensuring they are counted into your total carbohydrate intake. Going for a walk after you eat can lower your blood sugar. The best way to determine how you are handling the extra sweets/treats, is to check your blood sugar two hours after you eat.