Health experts bust the myths surrounding diabetes

 

NHS Central Lancashire’s diabetes team is using Diabetes Week to dispel the

myths around diabetes and to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy

lifestyle for all. 

The dietetics team will be hosting a display stand in the Minerva Health

Centre based at Preston North End Football Ground, Lowthorpe Road, Deepdale,

Preston throughout the week (13 to 19 June).  

Chris Elwell and Margaret Heaney, diabetes dieticians based at the centre,

are hoping to dispel myths such as:  

• ‘People with diabetes should avoid eating fruit such as bananas and grapes’

Margaret said: “This is nonsense. All fruit is good for you and can be eaten

after a meal or used as a healthy snack to replace biscuits, cakes or crisps.

Choose smaller bananas and they don’t have to be green.  Limit grapes to a

handful and eat fruit throughout the day rather than eating it all at once.”

• Type 2 diabetes is mild.

Chris said: “Let’s get serious about it – there is no such thing as mild

diabetes. All diabetes is serious. The long-term effects of poor control can

lead to damaged blood vessels and nerves affecting the eyes, kidneys and feet. 

This can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes.  Eating healthily,

increasing activity and taking medication as necessary all help to control

diabetes.”

• ‘People with diabetes can’t eat chocolate’

Margaret said: “It’s time to take the wrapper off that.  Chocolate can be

eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.  Remember chocolate is also high

in fat and calories, so should be limited if you are trying to lose weight.

Diabetic chocolate is no better, tends to be expensive and can have a laxative

effect.”

• ‘If you have diabetes, you can’t play sport’

Chris said: “People with diabetes are encouraged to be more active as part of

a healthily lifestyle.  They can take part in marathons and some have even swum

the English Channel.  Not everyone can be as

active, but regular activity is part of a healthy lifestyle and can help to

reduce risk of heart disease and other complications.

“If you haven’t been active for a while talk to your healthcare team to make

a care plan before you get started.”

• ‘Being overweight has nothing to do with type 2 diabetes’

Margaret said: “Let’s cut that idea down to size!  Statistics show that more

than 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. If you are a woman and

your waist measures more than 31.5 inches or a man with a waist measuring more

than 37 inches (35 inches for Asian men) you are at an increased risk of

developing type 2 diabetes.

“The more overweight you are and the more inactive you are the greater the

risk.”

• ‘My healthcare professional should look after my diabetes’  

Chris said: “Tell DESMOND that! DESMOND stands for Diabetes

Education and Self Management

for Ongoing and Newly

Diagnosed.

“People with diabetes see healthcare professionals for an average of three

hours per year.  The rest of the time they make decisions about managing their

own diabetes.

“We offer DESMOND to help anyone with type 2 diabetes to manage their

condition. DESMOND is a six-hour interactive group education programme available

at venues across central Lancashire. 

“For more information ask your GP or practice nurse or you can log on to www.centrallancashire.nhs.uk and

search for DESMOND.”