Misconceptions About Diabetes Mellitus

Clarify your doubts and the common misconceptions about diabetes

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Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body is unable to properly use and store sugar (glucose), resulting in blood sugar level rising higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 90% of all cases of diabetes. It occurs because the body does not produce enough insulin and is also unable to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). Insulin is the hormone (chemical messenger) produced by the pancreas and it helps sugar to enter the cells in the body.

Misconception

1: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) occurs as a result of interaction between genetic and environmental (lifestyle) risk factors. Your risk of developing T2DM increases if you have a parent or sibling with T2DM. Lifestyle risk factors include having an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight or obese.