Myths & Questions

35. Common Indian Diabetes Myths

Myth: "I don't eat sweets, so I won't get diabetes."
Fact: In India, our main enemy is often Rice, Roti, and Potatoes (Starch). These turn into sugar inside the body. You can have high blood sugar even if you never touch a laddu.

Myth: "Once I start insulin, I will get addicted for life."
Fact: Insulin is a hormone, not a drug like alcohol or tobacco. Your body needs it to survive. If your body stops making it, taking it from outside is not addiction—it is replacement.

Myth: "Insulin/English medicines damage kidneys."
Fact: This is the most dangerous myth. Uncontrolled Diabetes destroys kidneys. Insulin and Metformin actually protect the kidneys by keeping sugar in check.

Myth: "I can stop medication once my sugar is normal."
Fact: Your sugar is normal because of the medication. Stopping it will cause the levels to shoot up again. Diabetes is a managed condition, not a temporary infection.

36. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Will my children get diabetes?

The risk is higher (genes load the gun), but lifestyle pulls the trigger. If you teach them to avoid sugary drinks, play sports, and eat vegetables now, they can break the cycle. It is not guaranteed.

Q2. Can I eat Rice and Mangoes?

Rice: Yes, but control the portion. Don't eat a heap of rice. Use the Plate Method (Part 5). Switch to Brown/Red rice if possible.
Mangoes: One small slice is okay occasionally if your sugar is well-controlled. Combining it with nuts (fat/protein) reduces the sugar spike. Do not eat it as a full meal.

Q3. Can I take "Sugar-Free" sweets?

Be careful. They use artificial sweeteners (like Sorbitol) which can cause stomach upset. Also, the base of the sweet (flour, ghee, milk) still has calories. They are better than regular sweets, but not "healthy" to eat in excess.

Q4. Can I consume Alcohol?

Alcohol can cause unsafe drops in blood sugar (Hypoglycemia), especially if taken on an empty stomach with insulin.

• Limit to 1 drink occasionally.
• Never drink on an empty stomach.
• Avoid sugary mixers (Coke/Juice). Use water or soda.

Q5. Does diabetes affect sexual life?

Yes. High sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and loss of sensation/dryness in women. Good news: Controlling blood sugar often reverses these early symptoms. Don't be shy to ask your doctor for help.

Q6. Can I fast for religious reasons (Karwa Chauth/Ramadan)?

Consult your doctor first. Fasting can be dangerous if you are on Sulphonylureas or Insulin (risk of low sugar). Your doctor may lower your dose for the fasting day. Never stop water unless absolutely clear.

Q7. How often should I check my sugar?

Type 1 / Insulin Users: 3-4 times a day (Fasting, Pre-meals).
Type 2 (Tablets): At least 1-2 times a week at different times (e.g., Monday Fasting, Thursday Post-Dinner) to know your trends. HbA1c every 3 months is non-negotiable.