When it comes to diabetes, everyone has an opinion. Every culture has their own takes on supporting health and ideas of cures for it. The thing is, not all types of eating disciplines are appropriate for everyone. A recent diagnosis or already living with it, dealing with diabetes can be stressful. There are many myths surrounding treatment and who can develop it, we will discuss three most repeated misconceptions.^{1, 5} 

Misconception: Diabetes is only Mild if there is no medication

Some believe that diabetes is an ‘adult’ disease, but it can occur at any age, especially with the modern-day diet of convenient foods. Though overweight persons are more likely to get it, a healthy weight person can get it if blood glucose levels are not controlled. Even if you do not have to take medication for your diabetes, it can lead to serious health complications like heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, or losing a limb.^{1, 2, 3} 

Misconception: Diabetes is your fault

As diabetes can appear and be diagnosed at any age, all the fault cannot be put on the patient. There are no current curses or prevention methods for Type 1 because it is genetic. For Type 2, genetics factors are included (it can be inherited or you are more likely to develop it), along with, but not limited to, lifestyle choices and food quality availability all contribute to its chance of development. Most want you to believe that once you are diagnosed, life is no longer enjoyable and especially where options are concerned. Yes, you will have to be more selective, but nothing is really off limits, you just have to mind the quantity, especially for sugar and carbohydrates.^{1, 3}

Misconception: You need “special” food 

Chocolate, desserts, and ready to eat meals marketed towards diabetics may be “sugar-free”, but it does not mean it is appropriate for you. They are expensive and sugar itself is not the enemy, but how much of it we eat is. You may have to be a little more selective, but the concept of a healthy diet is pretty much the same. The part diabetics have to be mindful of are carbohydrates and studying the Glycemic Index rating of foods.^{3, 4} From a rating of 0 to 100 on how fast a food item raises your blood glucose, diabetics have to choose the Low Glycemic end of the spectrum. Include plenty of high fiber content fruits and vegetables, plenty of beans, fish, eggs and lean meat and low-fat dairy to feel fuller longer.^{2, 3}

If you feel food alone is too limiting on your nutrient choices, supplements can help fill in what is needed. Just make sure that they are diabetic specific formulas so as to not raise blood glucose too fast. For example, Glucerna is scientifically formulated for adults with diabetes with enhanced levels 28 vitamins and minerals (including key nutrients like Vitamin D to help support immunity), heart healthy lipid blends, and the new and improved carbohydrates system## to help you manage your blood glucose effectively#. Also containing 800 mg Myo-inositol ^,⁴ a carbohydrate that mimics insulin action to help increase insulin sensitivity, a regime of Glucerna in your diet can help control blood glucose in 4 weeks +^^.⁵

When you want to live well with diabetes, being sure of the issues, risk factors, symptoms, and being mindful of what you eat is what will help you. What’s accurate? What’s not? Either way, healthy eating is the same across all diet disciplines, which is choosing fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, high quality proteins, and slow-release carbohydrates options (low GI rating foods). For extra help, add Glucerna, No.1 Doctor recommended diabetics nutrition supplement in the US+, to your diet and start action from day 1**.