Health Tip: Debunking Diabetes Myths

Wednesday 19th August 2009 HCFI New Delhi: If you've just been diagnosed with diabetes, it may be difficult to separate fact from fiction, said Dr KK Aggarwal President, Heart Care Foundation of India, BSNL Dil Ka Darbar, MTNL Perfect Health Mela and Director, IMA AKN Sinha Institute.The forthcoming BSNL Dil ka Darbar will have special public forum on diabetes.

Heart Care Foundation of India debunks some popular myths about diabetes.

1. Diabetes is not contagious and one can not get diabetes from some one else.
2. Diabetes does not mean that one can not have desserts for ever. While eating too many sugary foods is a bad idea, one can have an occasional dessert, especially if one exercises and otherwise eats healthy.
3. Eating too much sugar can't "cause" diabetes. The disease stems from genetic and lifestyle factors. But consuming too much white sugar can cause insulin resistance.
4. Carbohydrates and starches (bread, potatoes, pasta) aren't off-limits, but healthy portion sizes are important.
5. Diabetics aren't more susceptible to colds and other illnesses but may have more complications of flu.
6. Taking insulin doesn't cause hardening of the arteries or high blood pressure.
7. Fruit, while healthy, can't be consumed in huge amounts, since it contains carbohydrates.