Table of Contents
Contributing Experts xi
Introduction xv
Common Myths
1 Eating sweets causes diabetes 2
2 I have to be overweight to get diabetes 8
3 I don't have to watch myself because my doctor says I have "just a touch of sugar" or I'm "only borderline." 12
4 Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1 17
5 I've just been diagnosed; I can't have complications yet! 22
6 Only adults get type 2 diabetes and only kids get type 1 29
7 If I have to go on insulin, it's the beginning of the end 34
8 So many of my family members have diabetes, I'm certain to get it! 39
9 People with diabetes can't eat sugar 44
10 Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, heart attack, kidney disease, and amputation 49
11 Most people who have diabetes eventually lose their feet 54
12 Insulin shots are very painful 60
13 There's nothing I can do to prevent my kids from getting diabetes 64
14 People who have diabetes have to wear special shoes 72
Medical Myths
15 Diabetes medications make you gain weight 78
16 I can't have diabetes because I have no symptoms 83
17 If I lose weight and don't require medicine anymore, I'll no longer have diabetes! 88
18 There's nothing new for treating type 2 diabetes 94
19 If I'm sick (such as with a cold or flu) and barely eat, I shouldn't take my diabetes medicine 102
20 If my diabetes is under control, there's no need to see my doctor 106
21 If I take insulin, I must eat snacks during the day and at bedtime 114
22 I've heard for thirty years that there's going to be a cure for type 1 diabetes, but nothing's changed 118
23 Women with diabetes shouldn't get pregnant 124
24 The stresses and strains of everyday life don't affect diabetes130
25 My doctor manages my diabetes, so I don't have to concern myself 136
26 There is one specific "diabetic diet" I should follow 142
27 Healthful foods won't raise my blood sugar 149
28 I can't eat anything I like anymore! 153
29 It doesn't matter what I eat if I "cover" it with my medicine 160
30 When I feel the symptoms of low blood sugar, I should keep eating sweets until I feel better 164
31 People with diabetes should eat only sweets labeled "sugar-free" or "diabetic" 169
32 I shouldn't drink alcohol because it will raise my blood sugar 174
Body Fitness Myths
33 I have to lose a lot of weight for my diabetes to improve 180
34 Exercise isn't important for managing my diabetes if I'm taking medicine 186
35 If anything were really wrong with my foot, it would hurt 195
36 My vision is blurry because I'm getting older 200
37 It's not safe for people with diabetes to exercise or play sports 206
38 Diabetes has nothing to do with erectile dysfunction or female sexual problems 212
39 There's nothing to help the pain in my feet! 217
40 Diabetes certainly doesn't affect my teeth or gums 222
Psych Myths
41 I can't ever take a break from dealing with my diabetes 230
42 If my doctor says it's time for me to take insulin, I'm a failure 235
43 I should be able to take diabetes in stride 241
44 Teens take better care of themselves when they understand the importance of doing so 247
45 There's nothing good about having diabetes 254
Practical & Practices Myths
46 Financial help for diabetes treatment, supplies, and education is not available to me 262
47 Once I begin using a bottle of insulin, it has to be refrigerated 269
48 I should never use a syringe, pen needle, or lancet more than once 273
49 I can't bring syringes and other diabetes supplies aboard an airplane 277
50 If I wear an insulin pump, my diabetes is really "bad" 281
Acknowledgments 287
Glossary 289
References 293
Index 305
