Health Tips: Does eating jaggery instead of sugar prevent diabetes? Diabetes is silently gripping Indians under misconceptions.
Health Tips: Does eating jaggery instead of sugar prevent diabetes? Diabetes is silently gripping Indians under misconceptions.
Diabetes, or high blood sugar, has become a rapidly growing health concern across India. Several myths and misconceptions regarding this disease are deeply rooted among people.One such belief is that consuming jaggery instead of sugar or eating compressed cottage cheese can help control diabetes.Experts say that such myths are not only harmful to people’s health but also contribute to the rising number of diabetes patients.
In a recent meeting of the Kanpur Diabetes Association, experts revealed that the number of diabetes patients in India was 10 million in 1980, which increased to 60 million by 2014 and has now reached 200 million. This figure is a matter of grave concern. According to experts, the main reasons behind the increasing cases of diabetes are unbalanced diets, lack of physical activity, and getting trapped in myths.Health Tips
Significant Harm from Misconceptions
Experts clarified that consuming jaggery, cottage cheese, or other traditional foods does not significantly help in controlling diabetes. Both jaggery and sugar have nearly the same glycemic index, meaning they can quickly raise blood sugar levels in the body. Methods like squeezing cottage cheese or boiling rice do not make diabetes any less harmful either.
Obesity: A Warning for Diabetes
Dr. Radeep Waghwan from Delhi discussed the benefits of metabolic surgery for diabetic patients. He mentioned that when other solutions fail, surgery becomes a better option. People with abdominal obesity need to be extra cautious. On the other hand, Dr. Sarita Bajaj emphasized controlling sugar levels. She pointed out that if not managed during pregnancy, it could be dangerous for the unborn child, leading to severe health problems after birth. She advised reducing weight gained during pregnancy.Health Tips
Key Suggestions
- Control food portions and consume a nutrient-rich diet.
- Walk for at least half an hour daily.
- Get regular sugar tests done after the age of 30.
- Do not believe in myths or ignore the disease.
- Consult a doctor every 2-3 months for advice.PM Modi to inaugurate projects worth Rs 5,500 crore in Prayagraj
