Do not believe these common misconceptions about diabetes

Muscat: There are many misconceptions in people's minds about diabetes, and the Ministry of Health is seeking to correct these.

According to the ministry, “The idea that people with type 1 diabetes can be treated only through diet and lifestyle changes is wrong. Type 1 diabetics need insulin for life."

A second popular misconception involves gestational diabetes and the view that it is a temporary condition during pregnancy and will not cause diabetes later on. "But the truth is that studies have shown that gestational diabetes is one of the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, so periodic inspection is required.”

“Another misconception is the diabetics don’t need a regular follow-up if their sugar level is normal, but the fact is diabetic patients need periodic follow-ups in order to perform necessary laboratory tests, measure blood pressure, and check feet and retina,” the ministry added.

The fourth common mistaken view is that a diabetic doesn’t need to measure blood sugar at home. "This idea is wrong because studies have shown that the more the patient is keen to continue to measure the percentage of sugar at home, the better the level of sugar control and the lower the complications."