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WMMC Primary Services
Family Practice Clinics
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By Kendra Butner, BC-FNP, MBA, CDCES
Myth: Since I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and I’m on medication, I don’t need to make any other health changes.
Receiving a diagnosis for diabetes and getting on medication is very important for managing your disease. However, your journey doesn’t stop there. Daily lifestyle changes along with medical care are the key to managing your diabetes effectively. Additionally, providers can give some direction to patients about these lifestyle changes, but continued self-education is key. Make sure you’re doing your research and implementing the changes best for your specific need.
Myth: There’s a cure for diabetes through medication.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes. And on top of that, management of diabetes can be a challenging task. However, there are so many resources and tools to help with your diabetes journey. The best start to successful management, in my opinion, is a mindset focused on positive lifestyle change. The second is finding resources and tools that work for you.
Myth: I feel like there are limited resources and tools available to help with my diabetes management.
Luckily, there are tons of resources and tools to help you manage your diabetes! For example:
- Certified diabetes educators are everywhere (in hospitals, clinics, and online) that will provide the right direction you may need. Here at WMMC, we have several providers
- The Internet gives access to credible blogs and experts that offer amazing resources.
- Many clinics/hospitals offer classes and conferences to help steer patients in the right direction. At WMMC we offer a Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program (DEEP) course in March and a Diabetes Management Conference in April that are free to those managing diabetes and their caretakers.
Myth: I can manage my diabetes by myself. I don’t need help or support.
Management can be stressful, difficult, and confusing. That is why a good support system and correct knowledge are extremely important. Be sure to speak with your provider, your family, and/or support system about creating a plan that works for you.
Myth: Only a certain type of diabetes needs insulin.
Actually, everyone needs insulin! We were designed to produce insulin in our pancreas. Insulin has a protective quality. This is the hormone that takes our sugars and transports them to our cells to give us energy. We can’t live without it. The problem with diabetes is how to get that insulin. If you’re diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you immediately need to get insulin through an outside method. (Most use insulin injections of some sort.) If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be able to get enough insulin for a time by taking some oral medications that help lower your blood sugars.
Myth: Once I am diagnosed with my type 2 diabetes and have a management plan with insulin, it can’t get worse.
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. No matter how great your management, a person may need to continuously evolve their insulin management strategy—especially if you were diagnosed at a young enough age.