Introduction
At the moment, such a health problem as diabetes is one of the most concerning. Despite extensive research and proven data, many individuals remain unaware of this disease, its causes, and its unique characteristics. Due to this context, many assumptions arise that result from erroneous opinions about diabetes. Therefore, the study of the topic of diabetes and the myths around this disease becomes valuable for spreading awareness about it and limiting stereotypes that they perpetuate.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes, full name Diabetes mellitus, is a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels in the human body. It is caused by “inadequate production of insulin, lack of response to the insulin that is produced, also known as insulin resistance, or both” (Macera et al., 2012, p. 366). One of the consequences of this circumstance is a metabolic disorder, which consists of the body’s ability to digest food for energy and growth.
Currently, there is a division of Diabetes mellitus into type 1 and type 2. The first type develops as a result of the inability of the human body to produce enough insulin and has a second name, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The second type of diabetes “begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly” (Kumar et al., 2020, p. 838). The main reason for this deviation is a lack of physical activity and excessive body weight. However, many other external and internal factors have an impact on the occurrence of this health problem.
Main Myths and Stereotypes
Overweight
One of the leading myths that arise when mentioning individuals who have diabetes is that people are overweight. Research stated that “unfortunately, many people think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight” (American Diabetes Association, N.D., para. 2). Therefore, this point of view contributes to the spread of a negative stereotype that treats all overweight people as having this disease. Moreover, it can cause the development of the assumption that only this aspect and lack of physical activity cause its development. However, there are also drivers, such as age and genetics, which are of crucial importance.
Honey
The following myth that is commonly associated with the disease concerns the eating habits of people with diabetes. It sounds like “diabetes can take honey as it alleviates the blood sugar” (Siddiqui, 2021, p. 85). There is much information that honey is an excellent natural sweetener, and many people have the assumption that people with diabetes can consume it.
However, this product can significantly harm them, as it has a high glycemic index, which can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar. Moreover, it contains both glucose and fructose, which, if consumed excessively, can cause the development or deterioration of insulin resistance. Based on this myth, the stereotype perpetrates that honey is helpful for diabetics, which many manufacturers also use to increase product sales.
Genetics
The third myth worth paying attention to is the assumption that people cannot get diabetes if they do not have individuals with this disease in their family. Thus, it contributes to the development of the stereotype that people should not care about the potential threat of this problem in the absence of its medical history. However, this factor is one of the most critical determinants of the formation of both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes and puts individuals at risk of this health deviation.
Association of American Diet with Immigrants to the United States
In considering the topic of diabetes, it is essential to pay attention to the relationship between the American diet and immigrants to the United States. It is indicated that “people who migrate to western societies often develop cardiometabolic diseases more rapidly than endogenous populations, predominantly owing to socioeconomic vulnerability, the uptake of unhealthy lifestyle and genetic susceptibility” (Bennet et al., 2018, p. 233).
Thus, when moving to another country, people face a significant shift in dietary habits due to cultural, economic, and social factors. Such features characterize American products as carbohydrates, saturated fats, and added sugars. Furthermore, family history is essential, as it affects the level of insulin secretion and the development of problems such as insulin resistance.
It should be considered how diabetes could be better managed in this population. This applies to aspects such as healthcare administration and epidemiological perspective. To limit the deterioration of the health of immigrants, it is possible to create interventions that will consider the cultural backgrounds of immigrant populations. This will facilitate the dissemination of information about proper nutrition and healthy habits, which will help minimize the possibility of developing diabetes in individuals. In addition, an approach such as expanding access to healthy food for immigrants may be valuable. This aspect will contribute to healthier dietary choices and improve the quality of health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diabetes is a public health problem that, due to the significantly large number of myths and stereotypes, continues to increase in modern society. This circumstance results from a decrease in the quality of health and well-being of individuals. To limit this aspect, it is necessary to introduce approaches that will promote awareness of what diabetes is and what causes it, as well as interventions to promote a healthy diet and lifestyle.
References
American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). About diabetes: Know your facts about diabetes. American Diabetes Association. Web.
Bennet, L., Franks, P. W., Zöller, B., & Groop, L. (2018). Family history of diabetes and its relationship with insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in Iraqi immigrants and native Swedes: a population-based cohort study. Acta Diabetologica, 55, 233-242. Web.
Kumar, R., Saha, P., Kumar, Y., Sahana, S., Dubey, A., & Prakash, O. (2020). A review on diabetes mellitus: Type1 & type2. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9(10), 838-850. Web.
Macera, C. A., Shaffer, R., & Shaffer, P.M. (2012). Introduction to epidemiology: Distribution and determinants of disease. Cengage Learning US.
Siddiqui, S. S., Soomro, U. A., Shaikh, S., Ata, M. A., Memon, A., & Shaikh, K. R. (2021). Myths and facts about diabetes mellitus and its treatment a hospital-based survey. Journal of Peoples University of Medical & Health Sciences Nawabshah (JPUMHS), 11(3), 83-86.