CHILDREN’S HEALTH DOCTORS DEBUNK DIABETES MYTHS

Experts from Children’s National Hospital, Fran Cogen, M.D., CDE, director of the Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes Program, and Brynn Marks, M.D., MS-HPEd, endocrinologist, want to raise awareness of diabetes and debunk some common myths.

Before exploring the misconceptions, we need to understand the different types of diabetes and their causes.

The most common diabetes types are Type 1 and Type 2, although there are others, including those related to cystic fibrosis, gene mutations, and pancreatic damage. Of the more than 30 million Americans living with diabetes, an overwhelming majority have Type 2, while just 5% have Type 1.

Type 1 diabetes occurs after an autoimmune attack causes the body to lack insulin.  Without insulin, the cells in the body are unable to take up glucose and use it for fuel, resulting in high blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes occurs in people with a genetic predisposition, and requires “something” in the environment to trigger the disease. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to the body’s normally produced insulin, despite the fact that people with Type 2 diabetes may make even more insulin than the average person. High blood sugars occur in Type 2 diabetes when the body can no longer produce enough insulin.

Myth 1: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

Although the precise cause of Type 1 diabetes is still unknown, we know that the autoimmune attack on the pancreas is not caused by eating too much sugar. However, the number one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is obesity and a diet high in sugar, as well as familial dispositions. Although there is not a direct link between sugar intake and many types of diabetes, the importance of a healthy diet in managing diabetes of all types cannot be underestimated.

Myth 2: Being overweight causes diabetes

Obesity is the number one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes and poor dietary habits are linked to obesity.  Although obesity predisposes people to diabetes, not everyone who is obese develops diabetes. Family history, ethnicity, diet, exercise, and certain medications (including steroids and psychiatric medications) all impact the risk of developing diabetes. Although obesity does not directly cause Type 1 diabetes, there is some thought that being overweight or obese may lead diabetes to develop sooner.

Myth 3: Having diabetes means you must eat foods that are different from everyone else’s

People with diabetes should follow the same healthy diet recommended for people without diabetes. When children are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, our diabetes team emphasizes that there is no food they cannot eat. While a healthy diet is important to control blood sugars, there is always room for the occasional treat or dessert on special occasions.

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