Myths, misconceptions and good advice

Dr. Anil Kapur M.D. and Dr. Sanjeev Kelkar M.D. write:

"For a start one should be happy and thankful if he or she does not have diabetes. Even more importantly, it is crucial that those around a person with diabetes come to know about the disease, its capacity to cramp an individual's lifestyle and ensure that there is a support system available for the person with diabetes.

There are many myths that travel hand in hand with diabetes, which in turn make life more difficult with those with diabetes. It is important to know that one cannot catch diabetes from someone else and that it is not a contagious disease. It cannot be transmitted like a cold or flu.

Also, not all diabetes is inherited. Not everyone who gets diabetes inherits it. People tend to inherit the risk factors, especially of Type 2 diabetes. There are some parts of the world where it is believed that local remedies can cure diabetes. In modern medicine, though, there is currently no cure for diabetes. Insulin helps keep control over blood glucose, but it cannot cure the disease. There are no magic preparations that can cure diabetes.

A person with diabetes may sometimes feel defeated by the many restrictions that are placed in his life for better control of blood glucose. However, that in no way means that he or she should be a prisoner at home. Therefore, if there is a person with diabetes in our midst it becomes imperative that his condition is understood and not aggravated.

For instance, one should be aware of the fact that a person with diabetes has restrictions on his diet and exercises. Therefore, one should not attempt to force such a person to overeat or consume food that could be detrimental to his condition. A person with diabetes also needs to keep a strict watch on the amount of fats, sweets and alcohol that he consumes and those known to him or her should ensure that social occasions or parties do not turn out to be a tragedy for the person

A common misconception is that once you start taking pills or insulin you can eat anything you want. The pills or insulin are more effective when they do not have to work as hard to lower blood glucose. Therefore, those who have friends and relatives with diabetes can play the role of a calming influence.

While it is untrue that a person with diabetes cannot exercise, it is preferable that a proper exercise regimen is decided on in consultation with the doctor. While doing physical exercises helps improve blood glucose, care must be taken to ensure that the blood glucose levels do not drop too low, too fast because of vigorous exercising. Also care must be taken to avoid foot problems. Friends and family can help to a large extent by helping the person with diabetes lead a life of moderation.

The circle of friends and relatives also need to keep a watch on the symptoms of hypoglycemia in those with diabetes. These could include:

• Excessive sweating and anxiety
• Palpitations and trembling
• Irritability and confusion
• Sleepiness
• Faintness and loss of consciousness

One needs to keep watch on whether the person with diabetes has/is:

• Overdose of medication (insulin/ tablets)
• Skipping or delaying a meal or eating less than usual
• Incorrect timing between insulin or tablet and meals
• Delay in eating a meal
• Unusual physical activity or exercise
• Illness
• Excessive alcohol consumption

So, if you see a person with diabetes exhibiting such symptoms try and give him something sweet to eat. Try and locate his Glucagon kit (if a friend learn to use it) and call a doctor immediately for emergency attention.

A child with diabetes should also be allowed to play given the sanction of his/her doctor. It is worse to imprison a young mind at home even as his or her friends play outside, and could lead to negative thoughts building up in the child."