In the last decade, the number of diabetics in India has reached record numbers.  Some estimates suggest this number has touched 50 million, making India the diabetes capital of the world. Consequently, there has been a burst of information and misinformation in the digital world around Type 2 Diabetes, its root causes and solutions.  Hence, to win this war on Diabetes, the first step is to cut the clutter and enable access to the right information and knowledge on Diabetes.  

In this article, we aim to burst some of the top myths being propagated around Diabetes.

Myth 1: Type 2 Diabetes is because of heredity!

Reality: While, heredity and genetics do have a role, it is our lifestyle that is the real cause of Type 2 Diabetes. Suppose you have a family history of Diabetes, in that case, all it means is that you have a higher chance of developing the condition. But it is your lifestyle choices around food, exercise, stress, etc. that will eventually decide whether you end up with Diabetes or not. So stop blaming the genes and be more careful with the choices you make daily. 

Myth 2: It Can be easily control with medicines!

Reality: Medicines only manage the symptoms (high blood sugar level), while the underlying root cause (insulin resistance) keeps getting worse silently. This metabolic imbalance can, in turn, can affect various organs in the body and eventually lead to devastating complications & outcomes. Kidney damage, eye damage, or an increased risk of heart disease and stroke are common amongst diabetics.

Myth 3: high blood sugar level

Reality: Type 2 diabetes is the result of excess insulin in the body, which leads to the cells becoming resistant to insulin and thereby impairing glucose regulation. As our glucose intake increases, the pancreas tries its best to maintain safe blood sugar levels by secreting more and more insulin to regulate. Over the years, overexposure to insulin causes our cells to become resistant to it- a condition known as Insulin Resistance (IR). IR is the root cause of Type 2 Diabetes.

Myth 4: multiple small portion meals throughout the day!

Reality: This is one piece of ill-advice that has been propagated a lot. Having multiple meals throughout the day means a higher number of insulin events, leading to furthering Insulin Resistance. On the other hand, eating larger meals less frequently, without snacking in between, leads to fewer insulin spikes episodes. So, it’s crucial to avoid snacking in between meals

Myth 5: brown sugar or jaggery!

Reality: Many of us confuse brown sugar or jaggery as a healthier and safer option; however, sugar is known as an empty calorie– white or brown; it has no real nutritional value. Though the carbohydrate values are slightly less than white granulated sugar, it has a similar effect on your blood glucose levels. Eating brown sugar increases your high blood sugar and causes hyperglycemia. Hence it is better to avoid them.

Myth 6: Avoid rice and switch to whole wheat roti!

Reality: This is a typical conversation in most Indian households. We project wheat or other grains as a better option than Roti. However, both are full of simple carb and eventually get converted into glucose and lead to insulin spikes. Therefore, it is vital to avoid any simple or refined carbs.

Myth 7: Once a diabetic, always a diabetic!

Lifestyle conditions like Type 2 Diabetes can be reversed through the right lifestyle modifications.

Eat right, exercise, follow your body’s circadian rhythm and manage stress, and you can reverse your Diabetes. So, take charge of your life and focus on building healthier habits that can have significant and long-lasting positive impacts on your health.

Do not believe everything out there on the internet and seek help from the experts when needed!