Myths and reality about diabetes

With diabetes in India reaching epidemic proportions, a survey indicates that one out of every five Indians believe thatdiabetes is communicable. However, diabetes is fatal and this is never registered as more and more people look at it as a lifestyle related disease. The population also seeks comfort in myths rather than facts. The following article is a snapshot of a set of myths that are common and the truth behind them.

Myth About Diabetes: 34% believe that women are more prone to diabetes

Reality: Studies have indicated that Type I diabetes does not show a female bias. The overall sex ratio is roughly equal in children diagnosed under the age of 15. However, while populations with the highest incidence all show male excess, the lowest risk populations mostly of non-European origin, characteristically show a female bias

Myth about Diabetes: 20% believe that diabetes is communicable

Reality: We know diabetes is not contagious. It can't be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Myth About Diabetes: 52% are sure that Pre-Diabetes cannot be cured

Reality: Early treatment can actually return blood glucose levels to the normal range. In fact, you will not develop type 2 diabetes automatically if you have pre-diabetes.

Myth About Diabetes: 42% Think Diabetes can be completely cured

Reality: No. Cures for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have proved elusive to medical science.

Myth About Diabetes: 33% Think junk food, syrupy drinks, don't increase risk of Diabetes

Reality: Obesity is a cause of diabetes. There is conclusive evidence that junk food is the leading cause of obesityand so junk food is also linked to diabetes. Soft drinks and junk food raise blood glucose and can provide several hundred calories in just one serving. A typical 300ml soft drink has 10 tsp of sugar and 40gms of carbohydrates.