Are you aware that India is called the World Diabetes Capital? It is not because we Indians consume a number of sweets for every occasion. It has earned this title due to the exponential rise of diabetic patients in recent times. Last week World Diabetes Day (WDD) was observed on 14th November, which is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best. WDD was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organisation (WHO). United Nations (UN) officially adopted WDD in 2006. Every year a theme is associated, and for 2022-23, it is ‘Access to Diabetes Care.
The importance of this theme will hit home when you realize that there were 53.7 Cr adults living are suffering from diabetes in 2021. As per the experts, the numbers are expected to touch 64.3 Cr by 2030, and 78.3 Cr by 2045. What is worse is that it caused 67 lakhs deaths in 2021. Hence, awareness and access to care become crucial to save lives and improving the quality of life. Along with learning about this disease, one should also know about some myths associated with this disease which should be avoided.
Eating Sugar Causes Diabetes
We Indians are obsessed with our sweets-the jalebi, gulab jamun, rosogulla, halwa, and an unending list. The good news is that eating sweets does not directly cause diabetes provided you follow a healthy lifestyle. Eating sweets and having an unhealthy lifestyle can cause you to become obese. That is a prime risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. So the bottom line is to eat sweets moderately and follow a healthy lifestyle. There is another side to this myth wherein people believe that if they do not eat sweets, they will not get diabetes. That is also not true. Almost everything we eat gets converted to sugar in our blood levels to varying degrees. A glycemic index is associated with every food that tells us how much sugar gets into our blood when we eat something. Additionally, people with diabetes can eat sweets in moderate quantities with a healthy diet plan and careful monitoring without going overboard.
Diabetes is not serious
This one is a bit tricky. It is not serious enough to worry about, however, it is definitely a serious issue, as it requires periodic monitoring and medication. If not treated properly, it can lead to health issues that can cause death. It can cause complications of cardiovascular diseases, nerve and kidney damage, blindness, skin conditions, and hearing issues. Of course, when diabetes is uncontrolled, it can also lead to amputations in a few cases. Hence, it cannot be brushed aside as a lifestyle disease. It is a fact that it has no cure.
Pre-diabetes always leads to diabetes
Pre-diabetes is when you have more than a permissible blood sugar level but it is yet qualified as diabetes. This scenario can cause people a lot of anxiety, as they believe it is just a prelude to developing diabetes. With some care and lifestyle changes, pre-diabetes can be reversed and need not lead to diabetes. If left unchecked without monitoring, it can lead to Type 2 diabetes.
People with diabetes need special food
If you are diabetic and have been getting special foods prepared at home, it need not be the case. Some foods marketed as special foods meant for diabetics may not be suited for diabetes as they may contain a high amount of saturated fats and sweeteners, It is also a myth that diabetic people should not eat fruits. Rather, they should include fresh fruits, dry fruits, and veggies in their diet. The key is to balance the diet and eat in moderation, like having only one fruit a day and mixing it up with other food. However, avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and bakery products for overall better health.
Diabetes treatment is the same for all
Many people believe diabetes treatment is the same for all. The treatment for Type 1 (Insulin dependent) and Type 2 diabetes differs. Even within the same type of diabetes, treatment is highly individualistic. A person’s age, medical history, risk factors, co-existing medical conditions etc., are considered for treating diabetes. Hence, every patient needs to meet a qualified doctor and follow the treatment plan suggested. You can not take tablets prescribed for someone else, nor you should change the dosage yourself based on mere test results.
Diabetes is a disease, that does not see your age, religion, caste etc., and it can affect anybody. But in the case of seniors, proper care should be taken. There are some preventions, which should be adopted by seniors.
- Eat better by choosing healthier options like fruit and vegetables.
- Consume sweets moderately.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Walk regularly on daily basis.
- Good night’s sleep is essential.
Most importantly, once you come to know that you are diabetic, please do not ignore the same. Consult the doctor and take the medication as prescribed by the doctor.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
21st November 2022