Common Misconceptions About Diabetes

Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. İnan Anaforoğlu explained 6 commonly held misconceptions about diabetes on the occasion of World Diabetes Day on 14 November; provided important recommendations and warnings! Population aging, sedentary lifestyles resulting from urbanization, and unhealthy eating habits leading to widespread obesity are the main drivers of rapid increases in diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes is cited as the most important and most frequent cause of cardiovascular diseases, blindness, chronic kidney failure, and limb loss. Prof. Dr. İnan Anaforoğlu, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, emphasized that diabetic patients can lead healthy and active lives if they adhere regularly to their treatment regimens and pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle habits. He explained as follows: "However, due to misconceptions about diabetes and its treatment that are widely held in society and actions based on these beliefs, diabetes diagnosis can be delayed, and desired treatment success can be difficult to achieve. As a result of these factors, many complications caused by diabetes such as cardiovascular diseases, vision loss, and kidney disease can develop."

My doctor set my medication once, and that's sufficient. FALSE!

CORRECT: Patients may need treatment adjustments over time; some medications may need to be discontinued or new ones started. Sometimes treatment changes may be decided due to complications that develop. Therefore, it is vital that diabetic patients have regular medical check-ups.

My doctor started me on insulin, so I'll use insulin for life. FALSE!

CORRECT: While some patients (for example, insulin-dependent, type 1 diabetic patients and pregnant women) need to use insulin for life, in other patients it is possible to start insulin therapy for a period at the beginning of the disease and then discontinue this treatment. Prof. Dr. İnan Anaforoğlu noted that sometimes insulin therapy is gradually introduced over time as the patient's pancreatic insulin reserves decline. He explained: "Insulin, which we have been using for approximately 100 years, has saved and continues to save the lives of many patients. However, when arranging treatment, avoiding unnecessary insulin therapy is a matter that will be decided following the physician's evaluation."

I cannot become pregnant, and if I do, insulin will harm my baby. FALSE!

CORRECT: Women with diabetes can become pregnant and deliver healthy children. Prof. Dr. İnan Anaforoğlu pointed out that gestational diabetes can sometimes develop due to certain hormones secreted during pregnancy, adding: "What is important here is that prospective mothers who already have diabetes should have their blood sugar controlled before becoming pregnant and their treatment should be adjusted appropriately for the pregnancy period. Prospective mothers who develop diabetes during pregnancy need to work with their doctors for nutrition management and, if necessary, medical treatment until pregnancy is completed. Contrary to common belief, insulin used during pregnancy does not cross the placenta and causes no harm to the baby."

I can eat whatever I want as long as I lower my blood sugar with medication. FALSE!

CORRECT: Warning that "in diabetes nutrition therapy, quantity and calorie calculation are important, but the content of what we eat is also important," Prof. Dr. İnan Anaforoğlu spoke as follows: "Healthy and unprocessed foods activate healthy mechanisms in our bodies, and our body functions accordingly. Even if the calories are the same, for example, a processed, refined food containing additives can activate cancer-causing or vascular stiffening mechanisms in our bodies. This particularly weakens our body's defense mechanisms in blood sugar control and protection from complications in diabetic patients. Therefore, while medication may be sufficient for blood sugar control and protection from complications, it is very important that patients avoid consuming any food they desire."

Certain plants or vitamins can cure diabetes. FALSE!

CORRECT: Substances claimed to be herbal and certain chemical drugs called vitamins are being used increasingly. Prof. Dr. İnan Anaforoğlu emphasized that there is no herbal remedy or vitamin that completely eliminates or cures diabetes, stating: "It should not be forgotten that these substances can cause many side effects and cause permanent damage to organs. Certain plants and spices such as green tea and cinnamon may help in blood sugar balance and are recommended by physicians to patients when needed, with guidance on the correct dosage and timing."

Personalized treatment is not necessary in diabetes. FALSE!

CORRECT: Worldwide, increasing importance is being placed on individualized diabetes treatment. Prof. Dr. İnan Anaforoğlu noted that diabetes treatment must necessarily be planned according to the type of diabetes and concluded his remarks as follows: "Because each patient is different, and each medication is not suitable for every patient. Treatment should be planned taking into account complications that the patient has or may develop, as well as any accompanying diseases. For example, the treatment of a patient with weight issues as the primary concern and experiencing severe insulin resistance cannot be managed the same way as a patient with long-term diabetes-related insulin deficiency. Furthermore, treatment is arranged with the least possible restriction in the patient's life, taking into account factors such as the patient's social status, nutrition level, and activity level. Because the problem is different in each patient, individualization of treatment plays a key role in success."