Diabetes Mythbusters

Dr Cathy Hay, Consultant Physician Diabetes and Endocrinology and Kath Collis, Diabetes Dietician

Diabetes Facts

• Diabetes is a common life long condition

• 2.9 million people in the UK have diabetes

• An estimated 850,000 people have diabetes but don’t yet know

• People with diabetes have a raised blood glucose

• There are 2 main types of diabetes:•Type 1 and Type 2

Insulin is the Key

Cell

Glucose

Type 1 – No keys

Type 2 – Sticky lock

Serious Diabetes Myths

Type 2 is mild

I’ve got a touch of diabetes

Diabetes Facts

•All risks apply to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes•Diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke

•Diabetes can have complications-Eye disease-Kidney disease-Nerve damage

People with diabetes will go blind and lose their legs?

How to avoid complications

Control blood glucoseControl blood pressure

Avoid smoking

Person with Diabetes

Health Professionals

Screening for Complications

Food Myths

Can only have diabetic foods?

Dietitians are the Food Police!

People with diabetes can’t eat sugar?

Should only eat small amounts of

carbohydrate?

Food Groups

Healthy eating is for everyone with or without diabetes

People with diabetes shouldn’t play sport?

Sport and Diabetes Facts

• We should all be active• Exercise is important for maintaining a

healthy lifestyle• Advice may be needed in some situations• Anything is possible!

Diabetes is contagious?

• Absolutely not• Autoimmune, genetic and lifestyle

factors

Only overweight people get Type 2 diabetes

A person with Type 2 has not looked after their diabetes

properly if they need insulin

• Beta Cells produce insulin in the pancreas• In Type 2 diabetes the beta cells are gradually

dying

Cumbria Diabetes

In Cumbria we offer education courses to people with

diabetes

Type 1

Type 2

At risk of diabetes

Diabetes the Reality…….

Live the life you want with diabetes and NOT living a

life ruled by diabetes