Diabetes – Busting the Myths | World Diabetes Day
At present, India is at second place in the world (after China) with respect to the number of people suffering from diabetes. There are an estimated over 74 million people in India who are affected by diabetes as per the International Diabetes Federation as in 2017 (1 in 11 Indians suffer from diabetes). And this number is expected to increase to 134 million by 2030.
Factors responsible for this include unhealthy eating habits, limited or inadequate physical activity, alcohol & tobacco use, lack of education, risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity & high cholesterol.
On World Diabetes Day, let’s learn of some myths and facts about diabetes, and an accurate test to diagnose the disease.
Myths & Facts about Diabetes
Myth: Diabetes only affects obese people.
Fact: 20% patients with diabetes have normal weight.
Myth: Patients with diabetes should avoid sugar/sweets completely.
Fact: Diabetes patients can have their favourite sweet in very less or limited quantity occasionally combined with a healthy meal plan and exercise.
Myth: Patients with diabetes are more likely to get cold & other illnesses.
Fact: No. However, an illness makes diabetes more difficult to manage.
Myth: One cannot suffer from diabetes if no member in the family has the same.
Fact: Family history is just a risk factor. One can get diabetes even if one has other risk factors like being overweight, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.
Myth: One cannot have diabetes just if blood sugar values are abnormal but there are no symptoms.
Fact: Many patients with diabetes do not have any symptoms, only abnormal blood sugar values.
Myth: People with diabetes cannot exercise or play sports.
Fact: People with diabetes can be weight lifters, tennis stars or mountain climbers. There are no restrictions.
Myth: Diabetes is not a serious disease.
Fact: Diabetes is so serious that it is responsible for a death every 7 seconds worldwide.
Myth: People with diabetes should skip meals.
Fact: Skipping meals can be dangerous for diabetes patients because it can lead to hypoglycemia or cause over-eating during mealtime.
HbA1c Test
- The HbA1c test also known as A1c or Glycosylated hemoglobin test — is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
- It is one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.
- Normal levels are below 5.6 %,
levels between 5.7 – 6.4% indicate pre-diabetes and
values of 6.5 or more are suggestive of diabetes. - It helps the treating doctor or healthcare practitioner to monitor and manage diabetes.
- Higher HbA1C levels are linked to complications of diabetes, so maintaining an individual’s HbA1C goal is very important for diabetic patients.
By Dr. Priyanshu Shah
M.D (Medicine), P.G. Diploma in Endocrinology & Diabetes (RCP, UK)
Dr. Priyanshu Shah is a consulting physician and diabetologist, specialist in Diabetes, Thyroid, COVID & Cardio-metabolic disorders. He is a consultant with GSBS Medical Trust.
Consults At:
Health Rakshak – Multi-speciality Clinic, 1st floor, Rajgir Court (A-Wing), Above Federal Bank, Opposite Pritam Hotel, Kohinoor Road, Dadar East, Mumbai – 400014.
Monday to Friday – 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
GSBS Medical Trust – Shilpa Apartments, Dasturwadi, MMGS Marg, Opp. Dadar Fire Station, Dadar East, Mumbai – 400014
By appointments only.
Shah Clinic – 38/1 Pallavi, Behind Don Bosco High School, Matunga (East), Mumbai – 400019.
Monday to Friday – 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.
Dr Shah Clinic – Shop No: 1, Chaitya 777 (Kalyandas Wadi), Opposite Jaihind Mukta A2 Cinemas, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Mumbai – 400012.
Monday to Friday – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Global Hospital – Dr Ernest Borges Rd, Opposite Shirodkar High School, Parel East, Mumbai – 400012.
Monday to Friday – By appointments only