Common myths related to Diabetes | World Diabetes Day

Every year, 14 November marks for the World Diabetes Day as it’s the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.
World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation in response to escalating cases of diabetes globally.
Billions of people get affected by diabetes annually. And there are several myths that revolve around this deadly disease which need to be taken care of seriously. Coordinated and concentrated actions are required to confront it as it is a critical global health issue. It’s a fact that diabetes causes more deaths in a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Also, it doubles the chances of having a heart attack.
There are quite a few myths related to it that need to be busted-
1. “Diabetes is not serious”
It should never be taken mildly as all types of diabetes are a serious affair which may lead to further complications, if not managed well. It can also reduce life expectancy.
2. “Diabetes is contagious”
No one can catch diabetes from someone who is suffering from it. But it’s mandatory to understand that type 2 diabetes can run in the family lineage.
3. “Diabetes can be prevented”
Not all types of diabetes can be prevented. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease which cannot be prevented nor cured as its cause is still unknown whereas with proper diabetes prevention programmes type 2 can help by not developing. There’s no cause for type 2 but there are well-established risk factors.
4. “Over-weight or obese people tend to develop diabetes”
Overweightness and obesity can pose for risk factors but cannot directly be a cause for it. People who are of a healthy weight can also develop type 2 diabetes.
5. “If no one in the family has diabetes, you don’t have to worry”
Family history is only one of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
6. “Diabetics cannot eat sweets or desserts”
As sweets contain a high level of glucose levels, diabetics tend to avoid consuming it. However, if eaten as part of a healthy meal plan with a combination of exercises, such foods can be eaten. It’s all about eating in moderation and care!
7. “Fruits can be consumed as much as diabetics want as they’re good for health”
Eating of fruits is a healthy choice but they also contain a lot of carbohydrates, which are broken down into sugars by the body. Therefore it is mandatory as per the required meal plan offered by doctors or dieticians.