&w=3840&q=100)
Diabetes myths vs facts: 15 health risks you may be unknowingly taking
Does sugar cause diabetes directly?
'Excess sugar can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but sugar itself isn't the villain,' said Dr Manisha Arora, Director, Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
Type 1 diabetes is actually an autoimmune condition, and type 2 is triggered by a mix of genes, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet—not just sugar overload.
Can only overweight people develop diabetes?
'Some people with a normal BMI develop diabetes due to genetic predisposition and insulin resistance,' said Dr Ajay Agarwal, Senior Director, Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Noida.
Should diabetics avoid sweets or carbs entirely?
'Portion control is key,' said Dr Arora. Want to indulge in a mango? Adjust your carb intake elsewhere. It's about balancing, not banning. According to the experts, rigid restrictions can harm more than help. Mindful eating wins the race here.
Are fruits bad for diabetics?
'Fruits like guava, apples, berries, and citrus are great choices. Watch out for high-GI fruits like mangoes and grapes,' advised Dr Arora.
Is diabetes a mild or harmless condition?
'Think of your body swimming in sugar. It harms your heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and more,' warned Dr Arora. You may not 'feel' it in the early stages, but the complications are real and serious.
Can home remedies or supplements cure diabetes?
'There's no scientifically proven cure for diabetes,' said Dr Agarwal. Healthy food, regular exercise, stress management, and proper sleep can reverse early diabetes, but no herb or pill can cure it. Be careful of quick-fix promises.
Is medication optional for type 2 diabetes?
'Even with lifestyle changes, many people eventually need medications like metformin or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists,' said Dr Agarwal.
Is insulin a sign of failure?
'Type 2 diabetes is progressive. Sometimes, insulin is necessary no matter how disciplined you are,' said Dr Arora. It is about keeping your sugars in check—not about passing or failing.
Should people with diabetes avoid exercise?
'Regular workouts improve blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and overall health,' stressed Dr Agarwal. Walking, strength training, yoga—everything counts. 'Build those muscles to keep your sugar stable,' said Dr Arora.
Are sugar-free or 'diabetic-friendly' foods essential?
'A wholesome, balanced diet works best—no need to splurge on fancy labels,' said Dr Arora. Whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and portion control are all you need.
Can diabetics live a normal life?
'Many of my patients drive, travel, and work actively, even into their 80s,' said Dr Arora. With proper sugar control and regular check-ups, life can stay normal and fulfilling.
Is fasting unsafe for people with diabetes?
'Many patients safely fast during Ramadan with the right medical advice and adjustments,' shared Dr Arora. Consult your doctor, tweak your medication, and monitor your sugars.
Does diabetes always show symptoms?
'You may have no symptoms at all,' warned Dr Arora. Regular health check-ups, especially if you're at risk, are your best protection. Silent diabetes is more common than you think.
Will prediabetes definitely become diabetes?
'Prediabetes is a warning, not a life sentence,' said Dr Agarwal. With timely action—diet, exercise, and stress management—you can hit the brakes and even reverse it.
Is type 2 diabetes only an adult issue?
'Childhood obesity is fuelling type 2 diabetes in teenagers,' said Dr Arora. It's a wake-up call for young families. Movement, healthy eating, and screen-time limits are more important than ever.
Both doctors stressed that diabetes is not the end of the road. It's manageable. And it's certainly not something to be scared or ashamed of.
'Diabetes is complex but not a moral failing,' reminded Dr Agarwal. 'Knowledge, routine care, and mindful choices can put you in control.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
Haryana dept supplies RTI applicant with 40,000 pages, he says ‘not enough'
The Public Health and Engineering Department in Haryana's Kurukshetra has supplied documents running into 40,000 pages to a man who had filed an application under the RTI Act seeking specific details. Kurukshetra resident Pankaj Arora, who had filed the application, now claims a large portion of the documents was irrelevant to his original queries. Arora had approached the Haryana State Information Commission, alleging delays and incomplete disclosures under the RTI Act, despite having deposited a fee of Rs 80,000 with the Public Health and Engineering Department in Kurukshetra in February and March this year. Following his request, the department provided him the a massive trove of documents — approximately 40,000 pages — on June 5 this year. The RTI application, filed on January 30, was submitted to the Executive Engineer of the department along with the prescribed postal order fee. Arora had sought records on 15 specific points, including: details of tenders floated between January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2025, licenses issued to contractors, staffing details across permanent, contractual, and outsourced categories, revenue earned, project-wise expenditures at various levels, and GST submissions by contractors. According to official records, the State Public Information Officer-cum-Executive Engineer issued a letter on February 3 demanding a documentation fee of Rs 80,000, calculated at Rs 2 per copy for 40,000 pages. On the same day, the Executive Engineer sent a separate letter to departmental juniors instructing them to process the RTI request within the stipulated time. 'Please note the consequences on account of any delay on your side, you will be personally responsible for the same,' the letter stated. Arora recounted, 'When I did not receive the information despite depositing a fee of Rs 80,000 with the department in February and March, I had to appeal to the Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Engineer-in-Chief, and other senior officials, alleging the officers were deliberately withholding information. Only after intervention from the high-ups, the department sent the documents—roughly 40,000 pages weighing one quintal and 8.2 kilograms — in June this year.' Arora claims that the reply was not only incomplete, but included voluminous irrelevant material, with 'core queries being completely avoided.' Responding to the allegations, Executive Engineer Sumit Garg told The Indian Express that the department had provided all the information as per the RTI Act and at the earliest possible time. 'The applicant has deposited a demand draft of Rs 10,000 issued in the name of a book depot, while the bank cheque deposited by him belongs to a school. We have requested the applicant to confirm whether both belong to him,' Garg said. Arora confirmed that both the book depot and school in question are under his ownership. Asked about his motive for seeking such voluminous information, Arora explained, 'I had received inputs that norms were being flouted in the execution of development works, and nepotism was being practiced in the recruitment for junior-level contractual posts.' Sukhbir Siwach's extensive and in-depth coverage of farmer agitation against three farm laws during 2020-21 drew widespread attention. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Skip Ozempics: Cardiologist shares 5 natural habits for healthy weight loss
Medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy are becoming increasingly popular for weight loss. But let us not forget that they can have side effects. Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, one of the top American cardiologists, says you do not need these injections to lose weight. In fact, if you treat your body right, it can help you shed those extra kilos. To lose weight without Ozempic, cardiologists suggest five habits.(Representative Image: Unsplash) In an Instagram post, the doctor talked about five simple habits that can help you lose weight without Ozempics. These steps can help your body produce more of a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps control hunger. While Ozempic copies this hormone, you can boost it on your own. Dr. Bhojraj has used this plan in his clinic, and many patients have lost up to 13.6 kg (30 pounds) using these steps. 5 natural daily habits to lose weight According to the official website, lagunalongevity, the following 5 habits are recommended by the cardiologist to lose weight instead of Ozempic intake. 1. Add fiber to every meal Fiber helps you feel full. It also keeps your blood sugar steady. It is very important for increasing GLP-1 naturally. Add fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to every meal. 2. Use healthy fats Good fats like olive oil and avocado oil help balance your hormones. These fats give you energy and reduce cravings. 3. Eat protein before carbs Start your meal with protein. This helps control blood sugar and keeps you satisfied. When you feel full, you eat less. 4. Eat early in the day Try to eat your first meal before 9 am. Your body's clock works better with early meals. This helps release more GLP-1 and controls your appetite better. 5. Eat slowly and do not snack Chew slowly and focus on your food. Eating this way helps your body release more GLP-1. Avoid snacking between meals. It gives your body time to rest and reset hunger hormones. ALSO READ: Fitness coach shares 21 food cheat codes for weight loss: 'Chew your food until it becomes liquid, eat on a blue plate' FAQs Q: Can people lose weight naturally without using Ozempic or Wegovy? Yes. By making simple changes to eating habits, people can help their bodies release more GLP-1 on their own. Q: What is GLP-1, and why is it important for weight loss? GLP-1 is a natural hormone that controls hunger and helps you feel full. Medicines like Ozempic copy this hormone. Q: What foods increase GLP-1 naturally? Foods high in fiber, healthy fats, and protein help raise GLP-1 levels. Q: Why should I eat protein before carbs? Eating protein first helps prevent a big rise in blood sugar. It also helps you feel full sooner, so you don't overeat.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Top American cardiologist shares 5 easy steps to lose 13 kg weight naturally, without any injection shot
The Five-Point Plan for Natural Weight Loss About Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj As weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy gain mainstream popularity, concerns about long-term side effects and dependency have also come into focus. In response, one of America's leading cardiologists has outlined a natural, evidence-backed alternative to help individuals lose up to 13.6 kilograms (30 pounds) without relying on injections or synthetic appetite suppressants. Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, an interventional cardiologist and certified functional medicine practitioner, recently shared his step-by-step method for activating the body's own mechanisms to manage weight and improve overall doctor explained that injectable drugs such as Ozempic work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate hunger and satiety. However, through strategic changes in diet and lifestyle, the body can be trained to increase its own production of GLP-1 naturally. In an post on Instagram, he outlined key habits that he has used in his functional medicine clinic to help patients lose significant weight while improving their energy, sleep, and mood—without the potential downsides of Bhojraj's approach is rooted in practical, sustainable adjustments rather than restrictive dieting. These five habits form the foundation of his method:Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in promoting satiety and stabilizing blood sugar levels. According to Dr. Bhojraj, fiber is a key nutrient for stimulating GLP-1 naturally, making it a non-negotiable part of every like olive oil and avocado oil not only support hormone balance but also help regulate appetite. These fats work by signaling the body to relax and increase fat metabolism , contributing to sustained energy levels and reduced order in which food is consumed affects how the body processes it. Eating protein first can help flatten the post-meal blood sugar spike and increase feelings of fullness, making it easier to eat less levels are influenced by the body's circadian rhythm. Bhojraj noted that consuming food earlier in the day—especially before 9 a.m.—leads to a higher natural release of GLP-1 compared to eating later in the eating, which involves chewing slowly and being present during meals, has been linked to better GLP-1 activity. In contrast, frequent snacking disrupts digestive rest and hormone regulation, which can impair natural appetite Bhojraj is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and a certified practitioner with The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is also the founder of Well12, a 12-week wellness program focused on evidence-based lifestyle interventions. His clinical approach covers areas such as genomic medicine, lipid testing, and epigenetics.
