World Diabetes Day is here, and it’s time we talk about something that gets misunderstood more than anything else—diabetes. You probably heard someone say, “Oh, diabetes happens because you eat too much sugar” or your colleague mentioned, “Only fat people get diabetes.” These are myths, and they are damaging because they make people ignore warning signs or feel blamed when they’re diagnosed. Let me break down the five biggest myths about diabetes, so you know what’s actually true.
This is probably the most common myth we hear, and it causes a lot of damage.
The Truth: You can get diabetes even if you’re thin. Weight is just one risk factor. Many people with normal weight develop Type 2 diabetes — studies show about 10% of people with Type 2 diabetes are actually a normal weight.
What matters more than your weight is what’s happening inside your body. Some thin people have something called “visceral fat” — that’s fat around your organs that you can’t see. Even if you look fit on the outside, this hidden fat can cause insulin resistance and lead to diabetes.
Other things that increase your diabetes risk include:
So if you’re thin and think you don’t need to worry about diabetes, think again. Regular health checkups with a Diabetes Specialist at Shalby Hospital can help you know your actual risk.
When people hear “diabetes,” they immediately think of “sugar.” But this connection isn’t as simple as it sounds.
The Truth: Eating sugar alone doesn’t cause diabetes. If that were true, everyone who eats sweets would have diabetes, but that’s not the case. Here’s what actually happens: When you eat food (sugar or not), your body converts it into glucose (blood sugar). Your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin that moves glucose into your cells for energy. With diabetes, either your body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin doesn’t work properly. This is called insulin resistance.
The real problem with eating too much sugar is that it often leads to weight gain and extra calories. And yes, being overweight does increase your diabetes risk. But many other factors — like genetics, stress, inactivity, and diet quality — are just as important.
The bottom line? You don’t have to give up all sweets. You just need to be mindful about what you eat and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A nutritionist or Endocrinology Department at Shalby Hospital can help you create a meal plan that works for you.
This myth comes from misunderstanding what people with diabetes actually need to do.
The Truth: People with diabetes absolutely can eat carbohydrates and even sweets. The American Diabetes Association doesn’t say you have to avoid these foods completely — it’s about making smart choices and planning ahead. The key is understanding the difference between types of carbs. Simple carbs (like white bread and processed foods) spike your blood sugar quickly. But complex carbs (like whole grains, vegetables, beans, and brown rice) break down slowly and don’t cause sudden blood sugar jumps.
You can also enjoy sweets sometimes — just in small portions and as part of your regular meal plan. Instead of “never eat sweets,” think of it as “eat sweets occasionally and in moderation.”
At Shalby Hospital, our Best Diabetes Hospital in India offers personalized meal plans that don’t make you feel like you’re eating “special diet” food. You eat normal, tasty food-
You eat normal, tasty food — just in the right amounts and combinations.
Many people feel like taking insulin means they’ve failed or that their diabetes is now really serious. This creates real fear and shame around insulin.
The Truth: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, which means over time your pancreas produces less insulin. This isn’t your fault — it’s just how the disease works. Eventually, diet, exercise, and oral medications might not be enough to keep your blood sugar controlled. That’s when insulin helps.
Taking insulin is actually a sign that you’re taking your health seriously and working with doctors to manage your condition properly. It’s not a punishment or failure — it’s a tool that works.
Type 1 diabetes is different. People with Type 1 must take insulin because their pancreas doesn’t make it at all. Again, this has nothing to do with lifestyle or weight.
Some people feel safe because no one in their family has diabetes. But family history is only one piece of the picture. The Truth: Yes, genetics matter. If your parents have diabetes, your risk is higher. But you can still develop diabetes even without a family history. Your age, lifestyle choices, ethnicity, and other health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease also play a big role.
The good news? Even if you can’t change your genes, you can change your lifestyle. Regular exercise, eating well, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk — even if diabetes runs in your family.
If you’re worried about diabetes, the best thing to do is get tested. Don’t wait for symptoms. Many people have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes and don’t even know it because there are no obvious signs at first. At Shalby Hospital, we have an experienced Endocrinology Department with Diabetes Specialists who can:
Whether you want to prevent diabetes or manage a diagnosis you already have, getting proper medical guidance is the most important step. Stop believing the myths. Start believing in real solutions. Don’t let confusion about diabetes stop you from taking care of your health. Reach out to the Best Diabetes Hospital in India today and talk to our specialists about your concerns.
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World Diabetes Day is here, and it's time we talk about something that gets misunderstood more than anything else—diabetes. You probably heard someone say, "Oh, diabetes happens because you eat too much sugar" or your colleague mentioned, "Only fat people get diabetes."...
