By Shayhira Suazo Herrera, M.D.| Endocrinologist | Millennium Physician Group
Myth #1 Insulin harms the body.
Insulin is naturally produced by the body and is not harmful. By the time most individuals are diagnosed with diabetes, they are not producing enough insulin. The main purpose of insulin is to regulate energy. Insulin is essential for the body to transport glucose to glucose-dependent organs and tissues on an intracellular level. With insulin resistance, the cells begin to become unable to take in enough insulin, and the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels. As diabetes progresses, people will become more insulin deficient.
Myth #2 All diabetics are obese.
Not all diabetics are obese. Being overweight is not the only risk factor for developing diabetes. Many people with normal weight or those slightly overweight also develop diabetes. Additionally, there is something to be said about ethnicity and its role in diabetes. Different ethnic groups may naturally have a lower BMI (Body Mass Index) but still be at risk for diabetes due to other factors.
Myth #3 Diabetics should avoid carbohydrates completely.
People with diabetes are not forbidden to eat carbohydrates. In fact, those who eat a balanced diet of nutrient-dense protein, fat, and carbs can control their diabetes quite well. It’s important not to eat simple carbs such as cookies, crackers, and candy, but eating complex carbs such as whole grains, legumes, sweet potatoes, and fruits is ideal. However, these complex carbs should be enjoyed in smaller amounts but not avoided entirely in most cases.
Myth #4 All diabetic patients need medication.
When patients are first diagnosed, it’s typically through routine blood work, and in the majority of cases, it is not a severely progressed diabetic diagnosis, so these people do quite well on lifestyle changes. Lifestyle modifications include dietary changes, implementing an exercise routine, and if they are obese, losing weight.
If patients are diagnosed, and their A1C levels are really high, they might need medications to lower their glucose levels. Anytime a patient is put on medications for diabetes, we also recommend diet and exercise because it is very important to lower blood sugar naturally and get the body moving to circulate oxygen-rich blood and keep your cardiovascular system healthy as well.
Myth #5 Diabetes is only about blood sugar.
Diabetes patients are more susceptible to chronic illnesses and conditions. Many people with diabetes that is left untreated or poorly managed can develop cardiovascular disease, vision loss, and cognitive decline. Managing your insulin and keeping your diabetes in check is critical for overall health and wellbeing. People with diabetes are also more likely to develop infections than those with normal blood sugar. That is why we encourage all of our diabetic patients to get their vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia, and Covid-19.
Myth #6 Sugary drinks are not that harmful.
There is documented research available that shows how sugary drinks are, in fact, linked to diabetes. In general, it’s best to avoid drinks with sugar altogether. These drinks are high in calories and sugar. For example, a can of soda such as cola has 161 calories and 39 grams of sugar.
Avoiding simple carbs such as sugar is critical for maintaining low blood sugar levels. Is this to say you can never enjoy sweets again? No. If you want to have dessert or something with sugar once in a while, it’s best to consume those with a complete meal (protein, fats, carbs) and only have a small portion of dessert or something with sugar.
Shayhira Suazo Herrera, M.D.
• Education: Doctor of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
• Residency: Internal medicine, Salvador B. Gautier Hospital, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, New York
• Fellowship: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, New York
• Specialty: Endocrinology
• Focus: Diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases, adrenal gland diseases, lipid abnormalities, metabolic bone disease, calcium disorders, prevention and management
Millennium Physician Group
1528 Del Prado Blvd. S.
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 458-3338
www.MillenniumPhysician.com