World Diabetes Day 2022: Top 5 food myths about diabetes that you need to know

World Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14 every year. The primary goal of celebrating this day is to generate global awareness on diabetes. It is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and each World Diabetes Day focuses on a theme related to diabetes. This year’s theme is, “Better access to quality diabetes education”. Keeping the same in view, celebrity nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar recently debunked some popular myths about diabetes, and the right thing to do in her audiobook ‘Eating in the Age of Dieting’. Scroll down to learn more about these myths. (Image: istock)

“All fruits contain natural sugars, mostly fructose, which has a low glycaemic index” says Rujuta in her audiobook on Audible. Bursting this common myth among people, she says, “Banana is even approved by the American Diabetes Association but shunned by doctors and dietitians in the country of its origin. Banana is not just safe but recommended for people with diabetes as it is mineral-rich and helps prevent high BP too.” (Image: istock)

Also Read: 10 foods that naturally reduce blood sugar

“That teaspoon or even two of sugar in your chai is much better than the low-grade sugar, trans-fat, and emulsifier-rich biscuit/cracker,” says Rujuta. Instead, she suggests, “If you must beat diabetes, then you must see that the real risk comes from unregulated intake of food and misinformation about what is good or bad for you. So have the chai with sugar but limit it to max two to three cups a day, and don’t touch biscuits and the likes.” (Image: istock)

Nothing could be further away from the truth. “Ghee and coconut both have the essential fatty acids that further support insulin, protect the heart and help maintain the intestinal mucosa. So if you are diabetic, the one thing that you can’t afford to miss out on is fat, and more specifically, ghee. Eat loads of it!” says Rujuta. (Image: istock)

While most of us believe walking daily is enough, Rujuta recommends “Lift weights and join a gym. Train your big muscles and develop strength in them, as loss of strength from the body is directly linked to insulin resistance and incidence of diabetes. If you are diabetic, gymming is the best exercise for you.” (Image: istock)

“Not true! It’s easy to regulate blood sugars and support insulin function through the right approach to diet, exercise and lifestyle” says Rujuta Diwekar in her audiobook on Audible. Forever an advocate for local and traditional food, she adds, “Eating traditional, local and seasonal is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to stay healthy. We have been systematically taken away from our native eating habits and introduced to new ones to live healthier lives. But in the bargain, we have gotten fatter, sicker and diabetic.”(Image: istock)

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