Myth or Fact: Can you avoid getting diabetes by being a non-vegetarian? Ft. Dr Tilak N

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively.

This condition requires vigilant management because, if left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious complications affecting vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

Long-term elevated blood sugar increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage, making diabetes a major health concern worldwide.

Effective diabetes management involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and regular blood sugar monitoring. Healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management are essential to keep blood sugar levels under control. Additionally, medications like insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be prescribed to help regulate glucose levels.

A common misconception is that being a non-vegetarian prevents diabetes, but this belief is false. Diabetes is not determined by whether someone eats animal products or follows a vegetarian diet.

Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians are susceptible to diabetes, as the condition primarily stems from factors such as genetics, obesity, sedentary behavior, poor dietary habits, and other health conditions like hypertension.

To clarify this myth, Dr Tilak N, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist from Shanbhag Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, states: “Can you get diabetes if you're a non-vegetarian? Absolutely. Diet alone does not determine diabetes risk; it's a combination of lifestyle, genetics, and other factors. Non-vegetarians are just as likely to develop diabetes if they neglect healthy habits.”

In conclusion, while dietary choices can influence overall health, they do not guarantee protection against diabetes. A balanced diet, physical activity, and proper management of risk factors are the key to preventing and managing diabetes, regardless of whether someone is a vegetarian or non-vegetarian.