(NAPSA)—For 30 million Ameri- cans, diabetes is an everydayreality. Diabetes can affect every decision,including whatthey eat, wear and do. Yet the 24/7 managementofdiabetes is often misun- derstood, carrying a social burden, as too many Americans wrongfully assume the disease is the result of poor choices. The American Diabetes Associa- tion is setting the record straight. Here's what’s real and what's not when it comes to diabetes: Myth: Being overweight causes diabetes. Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes butit’s not the only one. Family history, ethnicity and age also play a significantrole. In fact, people with type 2 diabetes are often at a normal weight or only moderately overweight. Myth: Diabetes is caused by eating sugar. ed Fact: Type 1 diabetes is a disease, in which the immunesystem attacks insulin-producingbeta cells. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to use the insulin it produces and progressesso that less insulin is produced overtime. Eating sugar doesn't cause either type, though a diet high in calories can contribute to weight gain, which increases one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Myth: Taking insulin means you have failed to manage your diabetes properly. Fact: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. Over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range, so insulin is needed. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin to survive. Myth: People with diabetes need to eat special foods and can’t eat sweets. Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy eating plan for anyone: low in saturated fat and moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on lean protein, nonstarchy vegetables, whole grains, healthyfats and fruit. People with diabetes can eat sweets and desserts. ‘The key to sweets for everyone is small portions. Myth:Diabetes isn’t that serious. Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined, and nearly doubles your 3 Awakened. Tracey Brown, type 2 diabetes #EverydayReality American Diabetes Associations. chance of having a heart attack. The good newsis that managing diabetes can reduce yourrisk of such complications. For more information, go to www. diabetes.org/everydayreality.
