Diabetes is a health condition that affects millions of people. In India, 10.1 crore people have it – A number so high that India has been dubbed by some the diabetes centre of the world.
Yet, despite so many people having it, there are still many myths and misconceptions around it. And this lack of understanding can lead to mismanagement of the condition and unnecessary stress.
So, let’s break down the top 4.
Myth 1: Diabetes is only caused by excessive sugar consumption
Diabetes is not simply caused by eating too much sugar. It’s much more complicated than that.
In actuality, many factors can contribute to diabetes and increase your risk of getting it. These include genetics, lifestyle, stress, age, and overall health.
Diet (and consumption of sugar) can play a role, but it’s not the only one.
By eating healthy, exercising regularly, and managing your mental health, you can lower your risk but not eliminate it altogether.
Myth 2: "Only overweight or older individuals can develop diabetes"
Similarly, diabetes isn’t only found in overweight or older people. Diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of age, weight, or appearance.
And while age and weight can contribute to your risk of getting diabetes, they’re not an essential piece of the puzzle – You can still get diabetes if you’re young and slim.
In fact, type 1 diabetes was once known as juvenile diabetes specifically because it was predominantly found in young people.
Myth 3: "People with diabetes can't enjoy sweets or desserts"
A popular misconception is that being a diabetic means you can never again enjoy sweets or desserts.
Again, this isn’t true. The key is simply moderation.
By limiting the amount of sugar you eat, you can make your diabetes easier to manage. And through mindful portion control, you can still enjoy your favourite desserts.
There are also plenty of low-sugar, healthy dessert options. For example, many fruits contain natural sweeteners without being too high in natural sugars or having too high a glycemic index.
And you can take advantage of sugar substitutes, like stevia, that will still allow you to add sweetness to your dishes without increasing your sugar intake.
Myth 4: "Skipping meals can help control diabetes"
Skipping meals is often seen as a strategy for managing diabetes. But in truth, it’s a bad idea.
When you skip meals, your body faces challenges regulating your blood sugar level. It has to work harder because you’re causing spikes and dips in your blood sugar level.
By contrast, when you have regular meals, or even eat smaller meals more regularly, it’s easier to handle, producing energy at a steadier and more manageable rate.
It’s also important to recognise that your meals aren’t solely sugar-focused. You also need proteins, fats, nutrients, vitamins, etc. By skipping meals, you’re not just cutting back on your sugar – You’re also missing out on these vital pieces of nutrition.
Final thoughts
Despite how prevalent it is, diabetes continues to be widely misunderstood.
But it’s important to separate fact from fiction because the more you understand diabetes, the better you can respond to it – Whether that’s managing the disease personally if you have it or simply helping guide how you interact with someone else who does.
And by knowing the actual risks and being better informed, you can make smarter decisions about your own health. For example, if you recognise that you’re at higher risk of getting diabetes you can take steps to minimise it (perhaps by adjusting your diet and lifestyle), learn to look for and recognise the symptoms, and get regular check-ups so if you are diagnosed you can take action earlier.
