Myths Vs Facts: Misconceptions about diabetes care by Dr. Vijay Mohan. S

17trhDiabetes is a chronic long-term disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose, according to the World Health Organization.

There are several misconceptions and myths about diabetes being circulated on social media that in one way or another deviate diabetes patients from proper treatment.

Here are 6 such myths and facts about diabetes by Dr Vijay Mohan. S.

Myth#1. People with diabetes shouldn’t eat fruits.

Fact: No. Fruits in small quantities are ok for Diabetics. Large quantities may add to the already elevated sugar levels. Avoid very sweet fruits like Mango, Banana, Chikoo, and Custard Apples (Seethaphal). It is safe to have mild sweet fruits in moderation.

Myth#2. Type 2 diabetes is ‘mild’ diabetes.

Fact: There is nothing like mild Diabetes. Blood sugar levels do not reflect the severity of the disease always (except in rare conditions). You need to take it seriously before it’s too late and out of control. Visit your health practitioner as soon as possible.

Myth#3. I will likely develop diabetes because I am overweight

Fact: Yes, possible but not necessarily so.

Myth#4. It is not safe to exercise with diabetes.

Fact: It is better and necessary to exercise daily for all Diabetic patients. Mild aerobic exercises are always better and can help lower the sugar levels but strenuous exercises like weightlifting may be dangerous. People with heart and kidney-related complications of Diabetes should be extremely careful.

Myth#5. I can stop taking diabetes medicines once my blood sugar is under control.

Fact: A big No … because once a Diabetic is always a Diabetic. One may reduce the dose of anti-diabetes medicines but should never stop altogether. If you stop medicines, it may backfire and your sugars may shoot up, a phenomenon called rebound hyperglycemia.

Myth#6. I have borderline diabetes, so I don't need to worry.

Fact: Whether you are a full-blown Diabetic borderline Diabetic or even a Prediabetic, you must take medicines, because the risks and complications of all these varieties of Diabetes are all same. There is nothing called borderline variety. The anti-diabetic drugs not only reduce sugar levels but also protect the heart and kidneys from developing complications in the future. Diabetes is a whole-body disease and lasts lifelong, so one must be extremely careful. Lifestyle modifications like diet and regular exercise are as important as medicines