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With the right medical advice, healthy eating, regular exercise, and medication when necessary, diabetes can be controlled effectively, enabling individuals to live healthy lives
Managing diabetes is about understanding, not fear
Diabetes continues to affect millions of Indians, yet misinformation remains widespread—often causing more fear and confusion than the condition itself. From assumptions about sugar-free foods to misunderstandings about insulin, myths can derail proper management and delay essential treatment.
To help separate fact from fiction, Dr Himanshu Sharma, Consultant, Endocrinology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Greater Noida West, and Dr Pankaj Bansal, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Sharda Care Healthcity, debunk some of the most common misconceptions and share what patients truly need to know.
Myth 1: “Sugar-free products are safe to eat in unlimited amounts.”
According to Dr Himanshu Sharma, many patients mistakenly believe that anything labelled “sugar-free” is automatically healthy.
“People think sugar-free biscuits, sweets, or drinks give them a free pass to eat as much as they want,” he says. “But many of these foods are loaded with calories, refined flour, and unhealthy fats. They can still increase blood sugar and contribute to weight gain.”
Echoing this, Dr. Pankaj Bansal explains that sugar-free does not mean risk-free.
“Not everything without sugar is healthy,” he notes. “Sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners can still raise blood sugar—especially in large quantities. Some studies even suggest that long-term excessive consumption of certain sweeteners may affect insulin sensitivity or alter the gut microbiome.”
Both experts emphasise the same solution:
Focus on balanced meals, whole grains, fibre, and proteins, not just labels.
Practice portion control and mindful eating.
Myth 2: Diabetes is caused only by eating too much sugar
“Saying diabetes comes only from eating sweets oversimplifies a very complex disorder,” says Dr Sharma.
He explains that diabetes develops due to a mix of factors: genetics, insulin resistance, lifestyle, and overall diet, not just sugar cravings.
“People who rarely eat sweets can still develop diabetes because carbohydrates as a whole not just sugar affect blood glucose,” he clarifies. “Meanwhile, someone who occasionally indulges may not develop diabetes if their overall health and genetic background protect them.”
Myth 3: Starting insulin means the disease is severe, and you’ll need it for life.
Both specialists agree that fear of insulin is one of the biggest barriers to proper treatment.
Dr Sharma explains, “Insulin is not a punishment. It is a hormone your body needs. In many cases such as severe illness, pregnancy, or extremely high sugars, insulin use is temporary. As blood sugar improves, the dose may even be reduced.”
Avoiding insulin out of fear, however, can worsen complications involving the kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Dr. Pankaj Bansal adds, “People often think needing insulin means they’ve failed. This is completely untrue. Diabetes is a progressive condition. When your body needs insulin, it simply reflects physiological needs, not personal shortcomings. In fact, early insulin use can prevent long-term complications.”
Myth 4: There is one universal method of managing diabetes
“There is no single blueprint for diabetes care,” says Dr. Pankaj Bansal.
“Every individual has different medical needs, body types, lifestyles, and co-existing conditions. For some, oral medications work well. Others may need insulin or continuous glucose monitoring. The goal is not to ‘avoid medication’ but to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent complications.”
The Bottom Line: Diabetes Management Begins with Awareness
“Managing diabetes is about understanding, not fear,” says Dr Sharma. “With the right advice, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and appropriate medical treatment, people can live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Adding to this, Dr Bansal stresses the importance of education and open-mindedness,
“Our responsibility as healthcare professionals is to ensure that individuals make decisions based on facts, not myths. With awareness, empathy, and discipline, diabetes can be managed effectively across one’s lifetime.”
Swati Chaturvedi is a seasoned media professional with over 13 years of experience in journalism, digital content strategy, and editorial leadership across top national media houses. An alumna of Lady Shri Ram …Read More
Swati Chaturvedi is a seasoned media professional with over 13 years of experience in journalism, digital content strategy, and editorial leadership across top national media houses. An alumna of Lady Shri Ram … Read More
November 13, 2025, 14:11 IST
