Common myths related to diabetes

Sugar causes diabetes- Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetic factors combined with environmental triggers. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Diabetics do not need to stop eating foods that are concentrated sources of sugar, but they can eat small amounts of sugar. 

Diabetics can’t eat sweets or chocolates- Small quantities of sweets and chocolates are occasionally OK as a part of a healthy eating and physical activity plan. 

Diabetics have to eat special foods- Like everyone, people with diabetes have to eat healthy. That means a diet low in saturated fat and high in fibre and whole-grain foods.

You can catch diabetes- You can never catch diabetes. It is not contagious like cold and cough. 

People can have a “touch of diabetes”- You can’t have mild or borderline diabetes. All diabetes is serious and, if not managed properly, can lead to serious complications.