Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by the body's inability to regulate glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. The pancreas, an organ in the body, produces insulin, a hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels. In diabetes, there is either insufficient production of insulin or the body's inability to effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to abnormally high glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is the body's primary source of energy, and insulin normally helps move it from the bloodstream into the cells where it can be used for energy.
Diabetes can often be a confusing topic, but rest assured that our diabetology hospital in Mumbai is dedicated to providing you with accurate information about diabetes myths and facts. The following questions have been designed to dispel any misconceptions or myths about diabetes.
Facts: This is the most common and one of type 2 diabetes myths but the fact is that if a person has a close family member with type 2 diabetes, they are more likely to develop the condition themselves. However, the risk of diabetes also increases with age and is higher in people with heart disease, high blood pressure, and those who are overweight or obese, regardless of their family history. Women who have given birth to babies weighing nine pounds or more are also at a higher risk of getting diabetes. Even though you can't change your family history or age, you can lower your risk of getting diabetes by living a healthy lifestyle. This means eating healthily, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight. These actions can help reduce your chances of developing diabetes, even if it runs in your family.
Facts: Interesting facts about diabetes type 2 is that eating sugar itself does not directly cause diabetes. However, eating a lot of sugary foods and drinks can make you gain too much weight. Being overweight increases the chances of getting diabetes. When you eat food, it turns into a type of sugar called glucose, which gives your body energy. Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose from your blood into your cells so it can be used for energy. With diabetes, either the body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. This causes extra sugar to stay in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. So, while sugar doesn't directly cause diabetes, overeating sugary foods and drinks can lead to weight gain, which increases the risk of diabetes.
Fact: Some people believe that if they have diabetes, they need to follow a special diet. However, this is not true. People with diabetes can eat the same foods as everyone else. The American Diabetes Association does not give specific rules about how much carbohydrate, fat, or protein to eat. But they do suggest that people with diabetes focus on getting their carbohydrates from healthy sources like vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and legumes. It's important to avoid foods that are high in fat, sodium, and sugar. If you have type 2 diabetes, it's recommended to work with your healthcare provider to create a meal plan that suits you best and that you can stick to in the long run. Having a healthy and balanced meal plan along with a healthy lifestyle can help you manage diabetes effectively.
Fact: It is actually important for people with type 2 diabetes to exercise regularly. Exercising can make your body more sensitive to insulin, which is important for managing diabetes. It can also help lower your A1C, a test that shows how well your diabetes is controlled. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, like brisk walking, and doing strength training two times a week. If you haven't exercised in a while, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital recommends starting with brisk walking to build up your fitness slowly. It's important to talk to your doctor to make sure that the exercise you plan to do is safe for you, especially if you have any problems with your eyes, heart, or feet because of diabetes. You also need to learn how to manage your medicines when you exercise, like adjusting insulin to prevent low blood sugar.
Fact: Carbohydrates are actually important for everyone, even those with diabetes, as they provide essential nutrition. It's safe for people with diabetes to include carbohydrates and some sugars in their meals. The best diabetology doctor in Mumbai can help plan meals to avoid sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar levels by eating a similar amount of carbohydrates at each meal. Consulting a nutritionist or diabetes nurse educator can be helpful in figuring out how to include these foods in your meals while managing diabetes effectively.
Fact: There is a common myth about diabetes and the use of insulin medication. The myth is that only people with very severe diabetes need to take insulin. However, this myth is dangerous and incorrect. In the past, doctors used to wait a long time before prescribing insulin to patients with diabetes. This waiting could lead to serious health complications like kidney failure, amputations, or even blindness because of high blood sugar levels.
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Unfortunately, some patients and their families would associate insulin with these negative health outcomes, thinking that insulin was causing the problems. But in reality, insulin is a very effective way to control blood sugar levels and protect the body from the harmful effects of uncontrolled diabetes.
There are many different types of insulin available today, and taking it doesn't have to restrict your life. If your doctor suggests insulin therapy, ask about ways to incorporate taking the medication into your daily routine, rather than letting it control you. Insulin can help you manage your diabetes and lead a healthier life, especially when receiving diabetology treatment in Mumbai.
