Breaking the Myths About Diabetes: What People Still Get Wrong - Dr Pramila Kalra

According to World Health Organisation, diabetes has affected about 830 million people worldwide. Yet, countless myths persist create misconceptions among the public which in turn leads to stigma, fear, and sometimes, improper management.

It is time to clear up some of these misconceptions and share the facts. Here, we debunk widespread diabetes myths and set the record straight with accurate information.

Myth 1: Excess sugar intake directly leads to diabetes

Fact: While a high sugar diet can lead to gain in weight; a major risk factor in developing Type 2 diabetes, it is not the direct cause. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is unrelated to the individuals sugar intake.

Type 2 diabetes develops as a cause of genetics, age, lifestyle including lack of exercise and consumption of more refined carbohydrates, fats and less protein and fibre in diet, and other environmental factors, each playing a part in its development. Excessive intake of sugar can however affect the insulin resistance and induce weight gain. It plays a role, but it is not the sole or direct cause.

Myth 2: Type 2 diabetes occurs only in overweight or obese individuals

Fact: While obesity is a risk factor, it is not the sole cause. Type 2 diabetes can affect people with healthy body weight, or even underweight due to their genetic disposition, ethnicity, age, lack of healthy diet and exercise.

At the same time, not all overweight individuals get Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Believing this myth may create unnecessary fear and a false sense of safety for some , which can delay the diagnosis and in turn the treatment procedures.

Myth 3: People with diabetes must eliminate sugar and food products containing carbohydrates from their diet altogether.

Fact: Not only is this misleading, but it can also pose serious risks. As the primary source of energy, for the body, carbohydrates are vital for functioning. Completely avoiding or eliminating them from your diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies and cause disruptions in blood sugar levels.

For people who suffer from diabetes, the main goal is not to eliminate carbs, but to maintain moderation, manage portions and select complex carbohydrates over simple sugars, and include whole grains, fruits in allowed amount and green vegetables and salads as sources of fibre and vitamins with adequate protein intake.

A balanced diet, that is tailored to the patient’s requirement, with guidance from the healthcare practitioner is important.

Myth 4: Diabetes is not serious if it’s ‘under control’

Fact: Diabetes is a very critical chronic condition that needs lifelong care. Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can cause many severe complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, neuropathy, blindness, and amputations.

Effective management greatly reduces risks of these complications occurring but even then, it does not make it nil. It still requires effort, monitoring, and most often medications to prevent long term damage and maintain quality of life.

Myth 5: If you need insulin, it means your diabetes is severe

Fact: For people with Type 1 diabetes, whose bodies produce little to no insulin, this medication is a life-saving medication. In the case of those with Type 2 diabetes, over the course of the disease, insulin therapy is needed over a period of time as the pancreas ultimately produces less insulin over time.

It may be needed for short periods in type 2 diabetes mellitus to control osmotic symptoms or infections. It helps the body to function properly and keep blood sugar at normal levels and has nothing to do with personal failure. Not using insulin when there is a requirement can harm the health and increase future risks and complications.

These myths need to be debunked for people to have more awareness and understanding of the condition. Understanding the truth will help make informed health choices, reduce stigma around the topic, and promote open and honest communication with healthcare providers.

Recognising the true nature of diabetes will therefore help us support those living with the condition and work towards a healthier future for all.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.