Diabetes is extremely common – affecting roughly 77 million people in India, with an estimate of nearly 57% of adults with diabetes underdiagnosed. Despite the prevalence, there remain many myths about the condition, which result in an incomplete or inaccurate understanding of diabetes and its management.
Myth and fact about diabetes are Sugar alone causes diabetes the fact is Diabetes is a complex condition related to several factors. These include being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having an unhealthy diet, and more. Diabetes can be cured but the Fact is: While in rare cases diabetes is reversible, in most cases, diabetes is a lifelong condition. Diabetes only affects the body’s blood sugar levels again the Fact is Diabetes is a chronic condition.
However, diabetes can affect more than just glucose levels. Research suggests that it can increase the risk of problems relating to the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, or feet. Some types of diabetes are milder than others which is again a myth. Diet and lifestyle changes alone can fully manage diabetes is a false it can manage diabetes but not fully. Abhijit Pednekar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India, commented, “By achieving better control over one’s glucose levels, people can live healthier, fuller lives.”