Diabetes can be a complicated disease. Even if you don’t have it personally, there’s a lot that you should know, including the difference between fact and fiction. Here are a few common myths one normally gets to hear about diabetes.

Myth One: Having excessive sugar causes diabetes.

Fact: Diabetes isn’t caused by consuming too much sugar. It’s caused by the lack or absence of insulin, a hormone responsible for getting blood sugar into the cells. As you eat food, it turns into a type of sugar, although it’s not the same as refined sugar which you get at the store. By exercising regularly and following a healthy diet, you can eat sweets. However, do keep in mind that you shouldn’t go overboard with it, and keep a tab what you eat by balancing your protein, fats and carbohydrates throughout the day.

Myth Two: I’ll feel sick if I have diabetes

Fact: Thousands of people suffering from diabetes don’t even know they have it. When left uncontrolled, diabetes can damage your blood vessels as well as the other parts of your body. If you feel OK even after being diagnosed with diabetes, it’s still important that you take extreme good care of your condition. The damage made by diabetes takes years to become evident, and it isn’t easy to undo serious conditions like nerve damage and heart disease. You can only be sure if you have diabetes or not after consulting your doctor.

Myth Three: My diabetes isn’t of a serious kind.

Fact: Diabetes is never mild, it’s always serious. Even if you’re not on medications or insulin injections, your diabetes still needs to be brought under control.

Myth Four: I’ll need to put up with a horrible diabetic diet.

Fact: To treat your diabetes, you don’t require special foods. Your diet needs to be healthy enough to balance your proteins, carbs and fats. Just like any normal person, your diet should be low in sodium, low in fat and rich in fruit and vegetables. Avoid any special diabetic foods found in your local food stores, as they not only cost a lot but can also raise your blood sugar levels.

Myth Five: I can’t have starchy foods, like potatoes and bread.

Fact: Foods high in carbohydrates happen to be your main source of energy. In case you’re suffering from diabetes, have a word with your dietitian to plan out your daily carb intake. Your dietitian will also explain how you need to measure out the correct portion sizes and how to read food labels so that you get adequate amounts of carb in every meal, without overdoing it.

Myth Six: Exercising will do nothing but worsen my diabetes

Fact: People suffering from diabetes can and should exercise. When you work out on a regular basis, you have better control over your diabetes and it helps the body in utilizing insulin in an effective way. However, do consult your physician before you begin any types of exercises.

Myth Seven: I won’t get diabetes, as I don’t have a family history

Fact: Some people are prone to diabetes since birth and have a greater chance of developing the disease. However, a lot of people diagnosed with diabetes have no family history of diabetes at all. Rather, the major factors responsible for the development of diabetes are your weight and your lifestyle.