The Hidden Truth About Diabetes: Myths vs. Science
Diabetes has become a household term today, with nearly every family having at least one member affected by the condition. Changes in diet and increasingly sedentary lifestyles have contributed to a sharp rise in diabetes cases across the country. India now has 74 million people living with diabetes, second only to China. The number of diabetes patients is growing rapidly in both urban and rural areas.
Despite its prevalence, many myths and misconceptions about diabetes persist, ranging from its causes to how it should be managed. Here, we debunk the most common myths about diabetes to help you separate fact from fiction and stop the spread of misinformation.
1. Diabetes is caused by eating sugar
Because diabetes is called “madhumeha” in Sanskrit, which means a condition causing sweet urine, many people associate the disease directly with eating sugar. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. When we consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, which is the body’s main source of energy. The hormone insulin helps move this glucose into the cells. In people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage organs like the kidneys, heart, and eyes. That’s why diabetics are advised to avoid sweet foods and simple carbohydrates, which quickly convert to glucose.
2.Diabetes isn’t serious
Many people think diabetes is a common, age-related condition that can simply be lived with. This mindset is dangerous. Diabetes can cause serious complications if left uncontrolled over time. The longer someone has diabetes and the less controlled it is, the greater their risk of developing serious health problems. Common complications include heart disease, kidney damage (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and foot problems that can sometimes lead to amputations. Taking diabetes seriously and managing it properly is essential to prevent these risks.
In 2015, diabetes-related complications caused the deaths of 346,000 Indians. This highlights the importance of regular doctor visits, careful blood sugar management, and routine health check-ups.
3. Diabetics should avoid sweets
As mentioned earlier, diabetes isn’t caused solely by eating sweets, but sugary foods can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Therefore, sweets should be eaten occasionally and with caution. For instance, fruits contain natural sugars but also provide fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that benefit the body. In contrast, cakes, bread, and biscuits lack fiber, causing blood sugar to rise quickly, so they should be enjoyed sparingly as treats. Recent research also shows that the order in which you eat your food affects blood sugar spikes—the best sequence is vegetables first, followed by protein and fats, and starches or other carbohydrates last. This method also helps you feel fuller for longer.
4.Herbal medicines can cure diabetes
Many people are drawn to herbal remedies because they’re believed to be natural and free of side effects, often with claims to cure diabetes. However, most herbal treatments for diabetes have not undergone rigorous testing, lack quality control, and some may even be harmful. Relying on unproven “cures” instead of evidence-based medicines that have been effective for decades can lead to serious health risks. Always consult your doctor before replacing your prescribed diabetes medication with any herbal or natural alternatives.
5.Those who take insulin have more serious diabetes than those on oral medicines
People with type 1 diabetes need insulin because their bodies no longer produce the hormone. Some individuals with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin injections as their condition progresses and oral medications alone are no longer sufficient. Needing insulin doesn’t necessarily mean your diabetes is more severe—your doctor prescribes the treatment that best suits your condition.
6. If your parents don’t have diabetes, you won’t get it
While having a family history of diabetes increases your risk, many people with diabetes have no relatives with the disease. Other risk factors include obesity, age, prediabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, and ethnicity—Indians, for example, have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes compared to Caucasians.
7. Only overweight people are at risk of diabetes
Although excess weight and obesity raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, they are not the only factors. In India, diabetes often develops at a younger age and in individuals with a lower body mass index (BMI). Abdominal fat, rather than overall weight, is a more significant indicator of diabetes risk. That’s why it’s important to get an annual health check-up, including a blood sugar test, especially after your 30s.
Additionally, there’s a condition called prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes is a warning sign, but with lifestyle and dietary changes, you can prevent the progression to diabetes.
While diabetes may not be curable, it can be effectively managed through regular health monitoring, appropriate medication, a balanced diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. At HCL Healthcare, we provide comprehensive care for HCL employees and their families, offering health and wellness services both on campus and in the comfort of your home.
As Clayton M. Christensen said,
“Diabetes is a great example whereby, giving the patient the tools, you can manage yourself very well.”
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