INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Diabetes has become a very common disease in recent times and is turning out to be a threat in the world
If you are a diabetic, you'd be aware of the 'health' advices you get on a daily basis
"Avoid sugar," "Don't eat too many potatoes," "Lose some weight," and "Use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar," are some common advices
that every diabetic must have listened to
Too much information has led to a lot of myths that surround this health condition
Therefore, it is important to know and understand these myths and try to not believe them unless they are being scientifically proven or
being confirmed by a certified expert. Myth 1: People with diabetes shouldn't eat sugarOne of the most common advices you will hear from
every person around is that you should not eat sugar at all
However, the truth is, diabetics should have a diet that is balanced, which can include some sugar in moderation
In fact, diabetics should have healthier alternatives to refined sugar, like jaggery, palm sugar, coconut sugar, raw honey, et al
Remember, moderation is the key.Myth 2: Only obese suffer from diabetesObesity is a risk factor for developing diabetes, but there are other
Diabetes is a lifestyle condition, and in more recent times, social and psychological factors like stress, sedentary lifestyle, poor eating
habits, et al may up the risk of developing diabetes
Basically, people with normal weight may also have diabetes.Myths around diabetes: Obesity is a risk factor for developing diabetesMyth 3:
Diabetes does not run in family, so I may not suffer from itWhile genes may be one of the factors for developing diabetes, there are other
In recent times, diabetes can be triggered by viruses, hereditary, stress, poor eating habits and other external factors.Myth 4: Fruits are
healthy, so one can eat as many fruitsFruits have natural sugars; however, they contain carbohydrates and tend to raise blood sugar levels
no matter how healthy they are
It is important to check your portion size even when you are eating fruits
Fruits have fibre content along with vitamins and minerals, all of which are said to manage diabetes well.(: 10 Diabetic-Friendly Fruits For
Managing Blood Sugar Levels)Myth 5: Having diabetes means you have to remain on a specific diabetic dietThere are certain 'off-limits' for
diabetics; only how you plan your meals and how you choose the right foods
Eating a healthy diet is the key to maintaining blood sugar levels
Most health experts recommend eating five small meals instead of three big meals through the day
A simple diet with all essential nutrients, fats, carbohydrates, fibre and proteins can easily help manage diabetes
Make sure you consult your doctor before starting a particular diet.There are certain 'off-limits' for diabetics; only how you plan your
meals and how you choose the right foods Myth 6: Carbohydrates are a big no-noCarbohydrates are not your enemy; it is the quantity of carbs
that can complicate the disease
Those foods that are low in glycaemic index, a measure of how quickly foods with carbohydrates may impact blood sugar levels, are known to
be better choices as compared to those with high GI
So, do not skip carbohydrates, rather pick the healthier ones.Myth 7: You can have sugar-free productsWe all are lured into buying 'healthy'
foods from the grocery store, but what we fail to do is to read the nutrition labels
Remember, these foods may label themselves as healthy, but they are laden with calories, carbs, sugar and fats
Homemade food is the best choice when it comes to eating healthy.We all are lured into buying 'healthy' foods from the grocery storeMyth 8:
Switch to artificial sweeteners and avoid sugarArtificial sweeteners do no good to your body
The difference between the two is that artificial sweeteners do not add any carbs to your body
However, excessive use of these sweeteners can ruin your overall health
So it is best to stick to healthy alternatives of sugar.Don't believe everything you hear; instead, you should always consult your doctor if
Manage diabetes with a healthy diet, engage in exercises and lead a fit lifestyle.
