Facts and Myths about Diabetes: Unveiling the Truth Behind DM
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic disease that affects how your body regulates blood sugar. This disease is on the rise worldwide, including in Indonesia. It is estimated that more than 10% of the Indonesian population suffers from diabetes, and this number continues to increase every year.
There is a lot of information circulating in the community about diabetes, but not all of it is true. Myths and misconceptions that are circulating can actually hinder effective diabetes prevention and management efforts. To gain an accurate understanding, let's dissect the facts and myths surrounding diabetes with dr. Ratna Sulistyani, Sp.PD, a specialist in internal medicine at RSIA Hermina Mutiara Bunda Salatiga.
Myth 1: Sugar is the main cause of diabetes
Fact: While sugar does contain simple sugars that are quickly absorbed by the body, diabetes is not caused by sugar alone. The main cause of diabetes is the body's inability to produce insulin or the body's inability to use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body.
How does it work? When the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly, blood sugar will build up in the bloodstream. This condition can lead to various serious health complications.
Myth 2: Diabetes only affects older people
Fact: Diabetes can affect anyone, including children and adolescents. Genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyles, and obesity can increase the risk of diabetes at all ages.
Why can children also get diabetes? Type 1 diabetes, which usually appears in children and adolescents, occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes, which is becoming increasingly common in children and adolescents, is caused by insulin resistance, a condition where the body cannot use insulin properly.
Myth 3: Diabetes is not dangerous
Fact: Diabetes can cause serious complications if not properly managed. These complications include:
Heart disease and stroke: Diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke because it can damage blood vessels.
Kidney damage: Diabetes can cause kidney damage because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys.
Nerve damage: Diabetes can cause nerve damage because high blood sugar can damage nerves.
Vision impairment: Diabetes can cause vision impairment, even blindness, because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the eyes.
Wounds that are difficult to heal: Diabetes can slow down the wound healing process because high blood sugar can interfere with blood flow.
Myth 4: Diabetes cannot be prevented
Fact: Diabetes can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as:
Maintaining an ideal weight: Being overweight and obese are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Exercising regularly: Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, so the body can use insulin better.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet: Choose foods that are rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Limit your intake of foods high in sugar, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
Avoiding smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of diabetes and diabetes complications.
Myth 5: Diabetes is cured with herbal medicine
Fact: Herbal medicine may help control blood sugar levels, but it cannot cure diabetes. Diabetes treatment must be done under the supervision of a specialist in internal medicine.
Why is herbal medicine not enough? Diabetes is a complex disease that requires structured and controlled treatment. Herbal medicine may have unknown side effects and can interact with other medications you are taking.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious disease that can be prevented and managed well. It is important to understand the facts and myths about diabetes so you can take the right steps to maintain your health. If you have risk factors for diabetes or have symptoms of diabetes, consult a specialist in internal medicine immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Sources:
1. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. (2016). Myths and Facts about Diabetes. [p2ptm.kemkes.go.id/uploads/2016/11/Mitos-dan-Fakta-Diabetes.pdf](https://p2ptm.kemkes.go.id/uploads/2016/11/Mitos-dan-Fakta-Diabetes.pdf)
2. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. (2023). Diabetes Mellitus: Our Problem. [yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/1131/diabetes-melitus-adalah-masalah-kita](https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/1131/diabetes-melitus-adalah-masalah-kita)