Cover A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for diabetes (Photo: Getty Images)
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for diabetes (Photo: Getty Images)
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Dr Malathi Karupiah, consultant endocrinologist at Prince Court Medical Centre addresses some myths about diabetes
Can sitting for long periods increase your risk for diabetes?
“Yes, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for diabetes. As age increases, basal metabolic rates decrease. The only way to raise it is through movement and staying physically active.”
Is being diagnosed with diabetes a death sentence?
“No, diabetes is treatable and manageable. It is important to adopt a positive outlook, seek the right sources for advice and medication, and accept necessary lifestyle changes for good quality of life.”
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Are people of Southeast Asian descent more predisposed to developing diabetes?
“Unfortunately, yes. Additionally, diabetes extends beyond just Type 1 and Type 2. Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is also genetically linked, meaning if a parent has this gene, their child has a 50 per cent chance of developing diabetes regardless of their ethnicity, weight and lifestyle. Early detection is important.”
A 2020 study published in Diabetologia concluded that normal-weight South Asians face a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes due to poor metabolic capacity (leading to impaired insulin secretion), low lean muscle mass and more ectopic fat around the liver and muscles.
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Can diabetic people donate blood?
“Yes, they can.”
Above Dr Malathi Karupiah, consultant endocrinologist at Prince Court Medical Centre (Photo: Prince Court Medical Centre)
Dr Malathi Karupiah, consultant endocrinologist at Prince Court Medical Centre (Photo: Prince Court Medical Centre)
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Can diabetic people eat fruit?
“Yes, but be mindful of the type of fruits you choose, opting for low glycemic index choices. Lessen the intake of mango, pineapple, oranges and durians. Eat the whole fruit to benefit from dietary fibre and avoid consuming fruit juice alone.”
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Can diabetes be cured?
“No. Also, words like ‘cure’ and ‘reversed’ are loose terminologies. With strict diet control and medication, I believe ‘remission’ is achievable. It is not the same as living disease-free. I cannot emphasise enough how crucial permanent lifestyle changes are towards achieving and maintaining lower sugar levels. Ideally, prevention is better than cure.”
Do diabetic people have sweet blood?
“I’ve not drunk any, so I wouldn’t know! (No, it is not.)”
Should you worry if ants are attracted to your pee?
“If you observe a lot of ants around your toilet, you may have diabetes. It’s a telltale sign because excess sugar leaves the body through urine.”
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