Diabetes Myths & Facts

13 Myths Around Diabetes: Find out the real truth!

Diabetes is a common illness but there are numerous myths surrounding it which tends to spread misconceptions. This is highly detrimental in ensuring the right kind of awareness around this widespread condition. It may even on occasions put a naïve patient with diabetes in danger. Let us understand which of these are myths and the real truth behind them to make sure all of us are aware about diabetes. 

Myth 1: Diabetics should avoid all underground vegetables

Vegetables have essential vitamins, minerals and iron which is important for all round health of the human body. Patients with diabetes therefore should not be denied this natural source of nutrients. Some vegetables may have carbohydrates in them which turn into sugar in the body, such as potatoes. But don’t forget that its benefits far outweigh this. Potatoes also contain fibre, Vitamins C, B & E which are all essential for our body. Patients with diabetes must consume leafy green vegetables which have fibre that helps retard sugar absorption.

Myth 2: Diabetic patients must avoid sweet fruits

Almost all fruits have some amount of sugar in them in the form of fructose. But again, just like vegetables, these are naturally low in calories and full of vitamins, minerals and fibre essential for our bowels and immunity. A healthy balanced diet should include 5 portions of a combination of fruits and vegetables. So diabetics can easily accommodate one orange, one guava, handful of grapes, handful of cut papaya etc. in their diet. 

Myth 3: A patient with diabetes should never have sweets

Sweets, particularly those with sugary syrup, increase blood sugar quickly and the extra sugar also gets converted to fat and makes a person overweight or obese. Hence, it is better to generally avoid sweets. However, on occasions one may take sweets while remembering to cut down on carbohydrate food like rice, roti, idli, noodles for that particular meal. This will help reduce the extra blood sugar rise. It is up to the patient on what they want to prioritise in life. 

Myth 4: Avoid using “sugar free” tablets

Sugar-free agents are allowed in moderation. Of these sugar free agents, sucralose is heat resistant and may be put in hot drinks. It gives the placebo effect of an artificial sweetening. However, prolonged dependency is not recommended. Try to actually go sugar-free in life. 

Myth 5: Diabetics must never keep a fast

Fasting during festivals is common in India. But prolonged fasting leads to drop in blood sugar levels (< 70 mg/dl) which is called hypoglycaemia. This is potentially dangerous and can be life threatening. However, some diabetes medications have less risk of hypoglycaemia and patients on them may consider fasting but only after consultation with their diabetologist.

Myth 6: Walking is only beneficial if you sweat

Exercise is equally important as diet for a diabetic. Exercise utilises glucose from the blood, burns up calories to reduce weight and is good for muscles and bones. However, perspiration does not necessarily mean calorie burn. Running for 10 minutes is equal to normal speed walking for 25 min without sweating. So focus on duration and not speed. 

Myth 7: Balanced blood sugar equals no diabetes

Diabetes control does not mean only blood sugar control. It also needs good blood pressure control, cholesterol control and smoking cessation to ensure it doesn’t form a speed breaker. 

Myth 8: My creatinine levels are normal so my kidney is safe

The creatinine level begins to rise above the normal range in the laboratory only when more than 50 to 60% of the kidney is damaged. Hence kidney damage may continue to progress without the patient realising it. Prior to the rise of creatinine a urine albumin creatinine ratio may give us an early indication of kidney damage and should be done at least once a year. It just requires one small sample of urine.

Myth 9: Once insulin starts, it remains in your life forever

This depends on why insulin was started. On many occasions, when patients present with very high blood sugar at the time of diagnosis of diabetes, insulin is started to rapidly reduce the blood sugar. Once blood sugar is reduced then insulin may be stopped and tablets may then be started. Also, during operations, infections, hospital admissions tablets may be stopped and insulin started but temporarily. However, if insulin is started because multiple tablets have failed to control blood sugar then insulin has to be continued long term.

Myth 10: Insulin injections are very difficult to use and are very painful

In the past insulin needles used to be longer, thicker and painful but modern insulin pens and small thinner needles makes it much less painful. The insulin pens are really easy to use and require a few minutes of training to administer. Even young children take the insulin injections on their own.

Myth 11: Type 1 diabetes in children needs a lifelong insulin dependency

Insulin is a hormone made from the tail of the pancreas which is a gland in the back of our abdomen. Insulin pushes glucose from the blood into the cells and absence of insulin therefore raises blood sugar which is called diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, which occurs in older people, initially insulin is still being made but is ineffective – here tablets may work. However, if there is no insulin production right from the start then insulin treatment is needed right from the beginning and stopping insulin may be life-threatening. This is called Type 1 diabetes. Although it is seen usually in children but it can occur in any age

Myth 12: Starting insulin during pregnancy will make your baby diabetic

Insulin is the safest agent to reduce blood sugar during pregnancy as insulin does not cross the placenta and hence cannot reach the foetus. Insulin does not make the baby develop diabetes after delivery. Hence, worldwide, insulin is the first agent of choice in treating diabetes of the mother during pregnancy.

Myth 13: Glucometers are not accurate and hence must not be used

Glucometers measure blood sugar with a small drop of blood taken usually from the fingertip. Proper technique is important to give a correct reading. Glucometer readings do not give the exact reading as does laboratory glucose values from blood samples taken from a vein, but the glucometers values are usually within 15% (less or more) of the laboratory blood glucose values.

Regular monitoring and blood work will keep you a breast upon your diabetic status. With proper discipline and care patients have also managed to reverse their condition and lead an improved quality of life. To get a checkup from the best endocrinologists in Delhi NCR at the CK Birla Hospital, book an appointment today.