Is eating too much sugar a cause of diabetes? 5 diabetes myths that need a reality check: Here’s what you need to know

Life changes a great deal after a person is diagnosed with diabetes. It is a condition that occurs when the blood sugar (glucose) of a person is too high. It develops when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or any at all. There are also chances of diagnosis of diabetes when the body is not responding to the effects of insulin properly.

Accordingly, it can possibly affect people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong), and they can be kept in control with proper medications and changes in lifestyle.

Now it is crucial to understand that people often get confused and link diabetes with too much consumption of sugar. There are multiple questions that crop up in people's minds about diabetes, like what does the diagnosis mean for your diet?

Here are a few myths around diabetes

Myth 1: You need special foods if you have diabetes

No, a person who has been diagnosed with diabetes does not need special food, according to the American Diabetes Association. A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as healthy eating for anyone.

Myth 2: People with diabetes shouldn’t eat fruit

People with diabetes are not required to remove fruits from their diet, as they are a healthy choice along with vegetables, according to the British Heart Foundation. They should form a major part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Fruits are higher in natural sugars than vegetables but are still lower in sugar than cakes, biscuits, and sweets, and they contain other nutrients and fiber.

The diet for people with diabetes includes a decent amount of fruit and vegetables as well as pulses, fish, eggs, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. But it is always better to consult your doctor to understand the precise intake of fruits that are not harmful for you.

Myth 3: Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar

According to the British Heart Foundation, type 1 diabetes is not caused by diet or lifestyle choices. It occurs when the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system.

Myth 4: Type 2 diabetes is ‘mild’ diabetes

Now here is one thing that needs to be understood and emphasized: Type 2 diabetes is not a mild form of diabetes, and it definitely requires attention and consultation. It’s important to get a hold of the condition in the case of type 2 diabetes to avoid developing complications.

Myth 5: You can’t eat any sweets if you have diabetes

It perhaps goes without saying that people who are diagnosed with diabetes, especially Type 2, need to control the consumption of sugary foods, as it can have a bad impact on blood sugar levels and weight. This, however, does not mean that you have to remove all sweet treats from the diet, but there is obviously a certain requirement of keeping track of the consumption.

In the end, it is perhaps safe to say people diagnosed with diabetes must limit foods like cakes, biscuits, and sweets to small amounts and try to choose sugar-free drinks such as water, unsweetened tea, or coffee.

Disclaimer: The article is for general information or educational purposes only, and is not a medical advice. Please consult your doctor as this is not a substitute for professional help.