Written By: Dr Anitha Anchan | Updated : May 21, 2014 11:31 AM IST
An estimated 61.3 million people in India suffer from diabetes and it's not just people in the urban areas. Unfortunately, awareness about the disease is very low which can lead to various complications. The umpteen myths and misconceptions only add to the problem. So here are 10 common myths about diabetes busted:
Myth 1:Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar and I won't get it if I don't eat sweets
There are two types of diabetes type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce enough insulin. It occurs when the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body's own immune system due to an autoimmune response. Genetics may play a role in this process and it can be triggered by certain infections or by abnormal secretion of some hormones in blood which act as antagonists to insulin (adrenocortical hormone, adrenaline and thyroid hormone). It can also be caused due to destruction of the pancreas by alcohol, disease, etc or due to removal of pancreas by surgery. It can also result from the progressive failure of the pancreatic beta cells.
In type 2 diabetes, the insulin secreted by pancreas is either not enough or the body is unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly (insulin resistance). It is caused primarily due to genetics and lifestyle factors like diet. Foods high in fat, low in protein and heavy on starch can hasten the onset of diabetes or trigger blood sugar imbalances in diabetics.
Hence, eating sugar does not cause diabetes per se. But it is recommended to limit your intake of sugar. You must remember that pretty much everything you eat gets converted into glucose. And overeating makes you overweight which is one of the conditions linked to the disease.
Myth 2: I am overweight. I will eventually develop type 2 diabetes
There are many different causes of diabetes and being overweight doesn't mean you will get the condition but it does tip the scale. The reason obesity is linked to diabetes is because it increases insulin resistance (which means greater amount of insulin is required to regulate blood glucose levels). This makes the pancreas work overtime to produce insulin. This is what causes diabetes. However, there are cases where thin people have uncontrolled diabetes and obese people have no diabetes whatsoever.
Myth 3: I can't eat sweets or chocolate because I have diabetes
No food is absolutely forbidden as long as attention to portion control and advance meal planning is done. A piece of sweet or chocolate won't cause any problem but it's necessary to keep a check on how much of it you consume.
Myth 4: Fruits contain carbohydrates, so I should avoid including them in my diet
Any food that contains carbohydrate will raise blood sugar levels but the only proper way to see how high your blood sugar levels will rise is the glycaemic index (GI). The lower the GI value, the lower will be the rise in blood sugar level and the better it will be for your health. Most fruits have a low GI value. They are also excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, and are relatively low in calories. Also beware of fruit juices, especially the packaged ones because they're very high in calories and sugar.
Myth 5: I should eat special diabetic foods if I have diabetes
There is no such thing as a diabetic diet. A healthy diet is one where you get 40-60% calories from carbs, 20% from proteins and 30% or less from fat. And the same is applicable if you have diabetes. Diet for diabetics should include a good amount complex carbs, vegetables and fruits. It should be low in processed foods, fat, salt and added sugar. It's better to have five small meals a day instead of three large ones and make sure they're well-spaced out.
Myth 6: I shouldn't exercise if I have diabetes
On the contrary, exercise is an important part of diabetes treatment. Regular exercise, especially aerobic (walking, jogging, etc.) helps control your weight, gives you more energy and is good for your overall health. It also helps to control blood sugar elevation by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.
Myth 7: Diabetes is not a very 'serious' disease
Diabetes is a silent killer which can lead to deadly complications if left undetected for too long. It can affect your immune system, kidneys, eyes, heart, skin and sperms. It can even cause erectile dysfunction! An estimated 346 million people around the world suffer from diabetes and India has more patients than most others.
Myth 8: Type 2 diabetes is not as bad as Type 1 diabetes
If uncontrolled, both forms of diabetes can lead to complications.Though the type of medical management for both may vary, a healthy lifestyle goes a long way in leading a long and fulfilling life.
Myth 9: If my doctor advises me to start using insulin it means my diabetes is getting worse
Insulin therapy is necessary for all people who have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 is treated with insulin, exercise and diet. Type 2 is treated first with lifestyle changes like weight reduction, diet and exercise. If these measures do not control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin treatment is considered. So, your doctor will advise you to start using insulin when your blood glucose levels are not under control with other measures. It doesn't mean that you have developed complications from diabetes.
Myth 10: The disease will ruin my life. I can't prevent its complications.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can be treated but can't be cured. You can still live a long and healthy life. Controlling the diabetic condition significantly reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart diseases, stroke, kidney failure and eye damage. Living with diabetes becomes stress-free once a systematic approach to taking medications, dietary restrictions, regular physical activity and blood glucose monitoring is established.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
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