Diabetes is a deadly disease, no doubt. And we should do all that we can to escape its vicious grips.
However, because it is such a chronic and debilitating disease, many myths surround diabetes, such that it is easy to lose sight of the truth concerning this avoidable disease.
What are these myths, and what is the truth? Here are five diabetes myths you need to stop believing:
Myth 1-One can never become free of diabetes
Diabetics do not need insulin or medications indefinitely. It can be managed with certain preventative steps such as a well-balanced diet, lifestyle changes, herbal therapies and certain yoga activities.
Myth 2- Diabetes is hereditary
This is just half-truth. While there is a clear genetic correlation between type 2 diabetes and obesity, the genes are dormant. They get activated by a person’s diet, lifestyle, and stress. These genes, interestingly, can be turned off by altering your diet, lifestyle, and stress levels. Children of diabetics are usually healthy and can only develop type II diabetes after the age of 45. Type II diabetes affects just 15-20 percent of such cases, not all.
Myth 3- Sugar is the cause for diabetes
Diabetes is caused by a lack of a hormone called insulin in the bloodstream, not by eating too much sugar. While high sugar in food raises blood sugar, most diabetics suffer from insulin resistance caused by fat, acid/inflammation, and IGF molecules found in milk and milk products.
Myth 4- A diabetic person should not eat rice
Excess carbohydrate consumption typically raises blood sugar levels after a meal. With some pulses and chapattis, a moderate amount of rice can be consumed.
Myth 5- An obese person will also suffer from diabetes
Certainly not. Diabetes is caused by a number of factors, including a blood sugar-insulin imbalance and lifestyle choices. Obesity can be a factor in the pre-diabetic stage, but it can be managed by a variety of lifestyle improvements, a well-balanced diet, and regular exercise.
