Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Endocrinology and metabolism
Common myths and misunderstandings in type 1 diabetes
Recent articles on:
Diabetes type 1
Diabetes type 1
Abstract
Although some of the many myths about type 1 diabetes that are in circulation may have been useful in the past, many are misleading now and may lead to inappropriate management. This article discusses some of the more prevalent myths that may mislead doctors.
Key Points
- Shared care of people by a GP and specialist diabetes professionals is the best model for the management of type 1 diabetes.
- Both children and adults can have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Most women who have had gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes. However, women who are developing type 1 diabetes can present during gestation.
- Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with comorbidities.
- People with type 1 diabetes tend to have microvascular complications and those with type 2 tend to have macrovascular complications.
- The cardiovascular risk factors of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and smoking should be targeted in people with type 1 diabetes as well as in those with type 2 diabetes.
- Glycaemia should be tightly controlled in people with type 1 diabetes, if this can be achieved safely.
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