Debunking Myths About Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the many non-communicable diseases (NCDs) responsible for around 1.6 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organisation. Diabetes is connected to food, lifestyles, genetics, and blood sugar, yet many myths and misunderstandings surround it. People with diabetes often get conflicting advice from friends, family members, social media, and advertisements. Many of these myths are seemingly harmless, although inaccurate or misleading information may delay or sometimes prevent people from seeking appropriate medical advice for controlling their condition. 

It is, therefore, important to understand both diabetes and its long-term consequences. It is a well-known fact that diabetes is a serious but manageable condition, and debunking myths can help people make better decisions to avoid its long-term consequences. 

Myths

One of the common myths is that diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar. This myth is an oversimplification of facts about diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and caused by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas by our own immune system and eating sugar has no link at all in causing it. Another type of diabetes, i.e., type 2 diabetes, has a strong association with genetics, body weight, physical activity, age, and other medical conditions. It is true that eating excessive sugar, in the long run, can cause weight gain, which may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, but it is not correct that simply eating sugar directly causes diabetes. 

Another common misconception is that people with diabetes must avoid sugar intake. In reality, people with diabetes should be cautious in choosing the amount and type of carbohydrates in their meal. People with diabetes also need to understand the relationship between the type of carbohydrates and blood glucose. A healthy diet should comprise a variety of foods; however, foods high in added sugar are best consumed in limited quantities. It is, therefore, suggested that an individual with diabetes should consult a qualified dietician for their food consumption plan.