By TSC Staff

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor was diagnosed at age 8 with Type 1 diabetes, an incurable disease in which the body fails to produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. Some 23.6 million children and adults in the US -- 7.8 percent of the population - have diabetes.  Of that total, between 5 to 10 percent have Type 1 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Already, the Internet is buzzing with debate over whether the 54-year-old judge's chronic disease should be considered in the Senate confirmation process.  It's true that Judge Sotomayor's s condition puts her at greater risk of serious medical complications including heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage.  Indeed, studies show that adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die of heart disease, according to Time.com. "The latest data suggest that patients can successfully manage the disease for four or five decades with no serious health complications," says Time.

"In the days leading up to this nomination, there were several media reports suggesting that Judge Sotomayor should not be considered for this position simply because she has Type 1 diabetes," said Dr. R. Paul Robertson, president of the American Diabetes Association.  "The advancements in the management of Type 1 diabetes have been just amazing over the last two decades and the ability of people to manage their diabetes successfully has been proven. People with diabetes can function and live a long and healthy life."

For more on surviving and thriving with diabetes, please visit The Survivors Club Diabetes Support Center.

What follows are 10 Myths About diabetes from the American Diabetes Association:

Myth #1  You can catch diabetes from someone else.
No.  Although we don’t know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know diabetes is not contagious.  It can’t be caught like a cold or flu.  There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes.  Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Myth #2  People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.
If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes.  They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes. 

Myth #3  Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. 
No.  Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.  However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth #4  People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.
A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is the same as that for everyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit.  Diabetic and “dietetic” versions of sugar-containing foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.

Myth #5  If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta. 
Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan.  What is important is the portion size.  Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks.  The key is portions.  For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is about right.  Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy.

Myth #6  People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses. 
No.  You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes.  However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose management, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.

Myth #7  Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure.
No, insulin does not cause atherosclerosis.  In the laboratory, there is evidence that insulin can initiate some of the early processes associated with atherosclerosis.  Therefore, some physicians were fearful that insulin might aggravate the development of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries.  But it doesn’t.

Myth #8  Insulin causes weight gain, and because obesity is bad for you, insulin should not be taken. 
Both the UKPDS (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) and the DCCT (Diabetes Control & Complications Trial) have shown that the benefit of glucose management with insulin far outweighs (no pun intended) the risk of weight gain. 

Myth #9  Fruit is a healthy food.  Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish. 
Fruit is a healthy food.  It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals.  Because fruit contains carbohydrate, it needs to be included in your meal plan.  Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.

Myth #10  You don’t need to change your diabetes regimen unless your A1C is greater than 8 percent.
The better your glucose control, the less likely you are to develop complications of diabetes.  An A1C in the sevens (7s), however, does not represent good control.  The ADA goal is less than 7 percent.  The closer your A1C is to the normal range (less than 6 percent), the lower your chances of complications.  However, you increase your risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you have type 1 diabetes.  Talk with your health care provider about the best goal for you.