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There’s a lot of information out there about diabetes, but how much of it is actually true? Can you get diabetes from eating too much sugar? Is all diabetes the same? Can you eat that?! Take our diabetes myth-busters quiz, and get the real story behind some of the most common diabetes myths! (And yes, you can eat that.)
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0-4 points: Still looking for magical cures? Maybe you should take the quiz again, and see if you’re ready to demystify these myths.
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Question 1 of 13
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Correct
The answer is false.
But it’s complicated. Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, and overweight individuals may be stereotyped as big “sweets” eaters, which could be one way this myth is perpetuated. If your sugar consumption is making you gain weight, then your risk for type 2 diabetes does increase—but no, diabetes is not directly caused by eating too much sugar. And while we’re on the topic, diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t eat sweets; it means you need to carefully monitor what you’re eating, and make the healthiest decisions for your diabetes life. The reality is, it isn’t only sugar specifically that raises blood glucose levels—it’s any food containing carbohydrates, including honey, fruit, milk, and vegetables. Carbohydrates can be found in all foods containing starches and/or sugars. All of the carbohydrates you eat, whether they’re in whole grains or chocolate cake, need to be discussed with your medical team and worked into your meal plan.
Incorrect
The answer is false.
But it’s complicated. Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, and overweight individuals may be stereotyped as big “sweets” eaters, which could be one way this myth is perpetuated. If your sugar consumption is making you gain weight, then your risk for type 2 diabetes does increase—but no, diabetes is not directly caused by eating too much sugar. And while we’re on the topic, diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t eat sweets; it means you need to carefully monitor what you’re eating, and make the healthiest decisions for your diabetes life. The reality is, it isn’t only sugar specifically that raises blood glucose levels—it’s any food containing carbohydrates, including honey, fruit, milk, and vegetables. Carbohydrates can be found in all foods containing starches and/or sugars. All of the carbohydrates you eat, whether they’re in whole grains or chocolate cake, need to be discussed with your medical team and worked into your meal plan.
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Question 2 of 13
Type 2 diabetes isn’t as serious as type 1 diabetes.
Correct
The answer is false.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious conditions that can lead to the same array of diabetic complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, nerve damage, limb loss, kidney failure, and blindness, if not treated properly. There are many different types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). Treatment methods may vary across the different types, ranging from diet and exercise to oral medication and insulin therapy, but the complications of all types are similar. Diabetes of any type is nothing to be taken lightly.
Incorrect
The answer is false.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious conditions that can lead to the same array of diabetic complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, nerve damage, limb loss, kidney failure, and blindness, if not treated properly. There are many different types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, gestational, and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). Treatment methods may vary across the different types, ranging from diet and exercise to oral medication and insulin therapy, but the complications of all types are similar. Diabetes of any type is nothing to be taken lightly.
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Question 3 of 13
People with type 2 diabetes don’t have to take insulin.
Correct
The answer is false.
Sometimes—even with the best effort—diet, exercise, and/or medication fail to keep blood glucose levels within an acceptable range in people with type 2 diabetes. Insulin injections give those patients the control they need to enjoy a healthy and more enjoyable life. Going on insulin doesn’t mean that you’ve “failed;” instead, it could give you the results your hard work deserves.
Incorrect
The answer is false.
Sometimes—even with the best effort—diet, exercise, and/or medication fail to keep blood glucose levels within an acceptable range in people with type 2 diabetes. Insulin injections give those patients the control they need to enjoy a healthy and more enjoyable life. Going on insulin doesn’t mean that you’ve “failed;” instead, it could give you the results your hard work deserves.
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Question 4 of 13
Exercise is safe—and important—for people with diabetes.
Correct
The answer is true.
Exercise is crucial for people with diabetes—and for people without! Exercise is a basic cornerstone of diabetes management. While strenuous physical activity can drive blood sugar lower, and there are certain precautions someone with diabetes should take before exercising, exercise is critical to your long-term blood glucose control and a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Be sure to talk to your health care provider before beginning a new exercise routine.
Incorrect
The answer is true.
Exercise is crucial for people with diabetes—and for people without! Exercise is a basic cornerstone of diabetes management. While strenuous physical activity can drive blood sugar lower, and there are certain precautions someone with diabetes should take before exercising, exercise is critical to your long-term blood glucose control and a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Be sure to talk to your health care provider before beginning a new exercise routine.
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Question 5 of 13
Sugar-free foods can make your blood sugar go up.
Correct
The answer is true.
“Sugar-free” doesn’t necessarily mean calorie-free or carbohydrate-free — these foods may still have significant amounts of carbohydrates and calories, either because they are sweetened with sugar alcohols or other non-sugar sweeteners, or because they contain other high-carbohydrate ingredients. Look for the total carbohydrate content listed on the food label to get the real scoop on what these treats can do to your blood sugars. Also, foods labeled as “sugar-free” may contain sugar alcohols, which aren’t completely absorbed during digestion, and may cause less of a rise in blood glucose levels. They can also have a laxative effect for many people, and should be taken in small doses.
Incorrect
The answer is true.
“Sugar-free” doesn’t necessarily mean calorie-free or carbohydrate-free — these foods may still have significant amounts of carbohydrates and calories, either because they are sweetened with sugar alcohols or other non-sugar sweeteners, or because they contain other high-carbohydrate ingredients. Look for the total carbohydrate content listed on the food label to get the real scoop on what these treats can do to your blood sugars. Also, foods labeled as “sugar-free” may contain sugar alcohols, which aren’t completely absorbed during digestion, and may cause less of a rise in blood glucose levels. They can also have a laxative effect for many people, and should be taken in small doses.
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Question 6 of 13
Women with diabetes can get pregnant and have healthy babies.
Correct
The answer is true.
Women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes can have healthy and happy pregnancies! While there are certain risks associated with pregnancy in diabetes, good preconception and prenatal care, an informed and proactive healthcare team, and tight control of blood glucose levels can help most women with diabetes avoid complications and deliver healthy babies.
Incorrect
The answer is true.
Women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes can have healthy and happy pregnancies! While there are certain risks associated with pregnancy in diabetes, good preconception and prenatal care, an informed and proactive healthcare team, and tight control of blood glucose levels can help most women with diabetes avoid complications and deliver healthy babies.
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Question 7 of 13
Insulin shots hurt a lot.
Correct
The answer is false.
Okay, so this statement can be somewhat subjective; anyone who gets shots for any reason will have an opinion on whether or not there is pain. Thanks to technology, though, insulin injections really can be virtually pain free if you have the right technique down. The best way to conquer your fear of insulin shots is to take one. Your first reaction will likely be something like, “Is that ALL?” Shots shouldn’t actually hurt. If they do, fear, poor technique, or outdated supplies may be the problem. Get help from your diabetes care team—they can help you find the solution.
Incorrect
The answer is false.
Okay, so this statement can be somewhat subjective; anyone who gets shots for any reason will have an opinion on whether or not there is pain. Thanks to technology, though, insulin injections really can be virtually pain free if you have the right technique down. The best way to conquer your fear of insulin shots is to take one. Your first reaction will likely be something like, “Is that ALL?” Shots shouldn’t actually hurt. If they do, fear, poor technique, or outdated supplies may be the problem. Get help from your diabetes care team—they can help you find the solution.
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Question 8 of 13
I’ve got the diabetes blues, but I should be able to shake these feelings on my own.
Correct
The answer is false.
Diabetes isn’t a walk in the park. It’s no wonder most people get frustrated and burned out at times. Several studies suggest that diabetes doubles the risk of depression, and that risk increases as diabetes complications worsen. Research shows that depression leads to poorer physical and mental functioning, making it less likely for a depressed person to follow his or her diabetes-management plan. If you are feeling alone or helpless, talk to somebody. Support from family, friends, and other people in the diabetes community can make a huge difference. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, skilled health professionals can help assess, diagnose, and treat the disorder.
Incorrect
The answer is false.
Diabetes isn’t a walk in the park. It’s no wonder most people get frustrated and burned out at times. Several studies suggest that diabetes doubles the risk of depression, and that risk increases as diabetes complications worsen. Research shows that depression leads to poorer physical and mental functioning, making it less likely for a depressed person to follow his or her diabetes-management plan. If you are feeling alone or helpless, talk to somebody. Support from family, friends, and other people in the diabetes community can make a huge difference. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, skilled health professionals can help assess, diagnose, and treat the disorder.
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Question 9 of 13
Good vision on a chart means that a patient with diabetes has healthy eyes.
Correct
The answer is false.
Many serious eye diseases do not affect vision until late in their development. Many patients with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and glaucoma—all potentially blinding conditions—can have 20/20 or better visual acuity at the time of diagnosis. Good eyesight absolutely does not mean there is no diabetic eye disease. On the other hand, poor vision does not necessarily mean that diabetes has damaged your eyes. The main reason most people with diabetes do not see well on an eye-chart test is the same reason other people don’t see well on the eye chart: uncorrected prescription. Don’t play a guessing game. Let your eye doctor be the judge by scheduling regular diabetes eye examinations which include having your eyes dilated.
Incorrect
The answer is false.
Many serious eye diseases do not affect vision until late in their development. Many patients with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and glaucoma—all potentially blinding conditions—can have 20/20 or better visual acuity at the time of diagnosis. Good eyesight absolutely does not mean there is no diabetic eye disease. On the other hand, poor vision does not necessarily mean that diabetes has damaged your eyes. The main reason most people with diabetes do not see well on an eye-chart test is the same reason other people don’t see well on the eye chart: uncorrected prescription. Don’t play a guessing game. Let your eye doctor be the judge by scheduling regular diabetes eye examinations which include having your eyes dilated.
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Question 10 of 13
Low-fat and nonfat foods are often higher in carbs than their full-fat counterparts.
Correct
The answer is true.
It’s so unfair! Yes, reduced-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream often contain more grams of carbohydrate than regular, full-fat fare. The same is true of many reduced-fat cakes, cookies, and the like. It’s not always easy to compare apples to oranges when it comes to carbs. Even when it may seem like something is a lower-carb choice than another, looks can be deceiving—remember to read food labels and/or consult with a member of your healthcare team to understand how many carbs are in the foods you’re eating.
Incorrect
The answer is true.
It’s so unfair! Yes, reduced-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream often contain more grams of carbohydrate than regular, full-fat fare. The same is true of many reduced-fat cakes, cookies, and the like. It’s not always easy to compare apples to oranges when it comes to carbs. Even when it may seem like something is a lower-carb choice than another, looks can be deceiving—remember to read food labels and/or consult with a member of your healthcare team to understand how many carbs are in the foods you’re eating.
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Question 11 of 13
Correct
The answer is false.
Although weight gain is often associated with use of insulin, the insulin itself does not cause weight gain. Rather, it is the body’s improved ability to utilize the nutrients you eat, due to an adequate amount of available insulin. Your body stores the “excess” nutrients you had become accustomed to eating as “fat,” now that they are properly utilized.
Incorrect
The answer is false.
Although weight gain is often associated with use of insulin, the insulin itself does not cause weight gain. Rather, it is the body’s improved ability to utilize the nutrients you eat, due to an adequate amount of available insulin. Your body stores the “excess” nutrients you had become accustomed to eating as “fat,” now that they are properly utilized.
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Question 12 of 13
It is okay to go barefoot in the house, as long as you wear shoes outside.
Correct
The answer is false.
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation. The good news is that simple footcare practices can greatly reduce your risk of developing foot disease. A great rule is to always wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet from injuries, both inside and outside the house.
Incorrect
The answer is false.
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation. The good news is that simple footcare practices can greatly reduce your risk of developing foot disease. A great rule is to always wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet from injuries, both inside and outside the house.
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Question 13 of 13
If you follow your treatment plan well, you will never have high blood sugar readings.
Correct
The answer is false!
Unfortunately, you may still experience the occasional high reading, even if you’re following your diabetes treatment plan. Diabetes is complicated and tough to manage—blood sugar is affected by so many things. Some of them are within your control: what you eat, your level of activity, and the fact that you take your medicine as directed. Other things, such as stress or illness, being on the wrong medicine or dose, and unpredictable insulin production or absorption, are NOT under your control. If you don’t get the test results you were expecting, try not to waste energy blaming yourself—just assess the situation, and adjust as needed!
Incorrect
The answer is false!
Unfortunately, you may still experience the occasional high reading, even if you’re following your diabetes treatment plan. Diabetes is complicated and tough to manage—blood sugar is affected by so many things. Some of them are within your control: what you eat, your level of activity, and the fact that you take your medicine as directed. Other things, such as stress or illness, being on the wrong medicine or dose, and unpredictable insulin production or absorption, are NOT under your control. If you don’t get the test results you were expecting, try not to waste energy blaming yourself—just assess the situation, and adjust as needed!