Diabetes — Top 5 Myths busted

We acknowledge that Diabetes is a growing epidemic in India, which is now ranked second in the world behind China for having the largest number of people living with diabetes. However, that does not mean a person with diabetes is doomed. Not everything you hear about diabetes is true. It is important to separate facts from the myths around the disease so that you can make informed decisions to better manage your diabetes.

#1 Myth: People who are extremely overweight or obese eventually get diabetes.

Fact: Being overweight is just one of the risk factors for developing diabetes. There are other factors, such as family history, genetic makeup, race or ethnicity, stressful lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, improper diet, lack of physical activity and even age.

By understanding all of the risk factors involved, one may better understand overall risk and the habits one can modify to be healthier overall.

#2 Myth: Eating too much sugar can cause type 2 diabetes.

Fact: Weight gain is just one risk factor for developing diabetes. A diet that is high in excess calories can be a cause of excess weight. Studies showed that drinking sugary drinks gave people excess calories and this has been linked to type 2 diabetes, but it is not proven sugar alone can cause diabetes.

Evidence from WHO suggests that reducing sugar intake, especially in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages, may help maintain a healthy body weight and possibly reduce the risk of overweight and obesity in adults.

#3 Myth: Diabetes is contagious.

Fact: Diabetes is not contagious. You cannot develop diabetes from someone else like a cold or the flu. But it’s important to know that Type 2 diabetes can run in the family. If your mother or father has (or had) Type 2 diabetes, you are not guaranteed to develop it. It just means that you have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

#4 Myth: Type 2 diabetes is caused by Insulin Resistance

Fact: While insulin resistance is the most common cause of Type 2 diabetes, it is possible to have Type 2 and not be insulin resistant. You can have a form of type 2 where your body simply doesn’t produce enough insulin; that’s not as common.

#5 Myth: Fruit is good for you, so it is okay to eat as much as you want.

Fact: It is true that fruit is a healthy food. Fruit is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But because fruits contain carbohydrates, which are broken down into sugar by your body, it is important that fruits are also tracked in your meal plan. Speak with your doctor about your meal plan and the quantity, frequency, and types of fruits you should eat.

Simple Steps to Lower Your Risk

Type-2 diabetes has several causes, with the two most important ones being genetics and lifestyle. Making a few lifestyle changes can dramatically lower the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

• Control Your Weight
• Get Moving—and Turn Off the Television
• Tune Up and balance Your Diet
• If You Smoke, Try to Quit

QNet’s Nutriplus DiabaHealth, a 100% natural Ayurvedic product that helps diabetics manage their blood sugar, when consumed alongside regular medication.

Note: QNet’s products are not medicinal. Our products are wellness and nutritional supplements and are not meant to replace regular medication.