KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — Diabetes is a disease characterised by high blood sugar levels.Although it may be true that having large amounts of sugary food daily may increase one's risk of diabetes, it seems sugar intake is just one piece of the puzzle.eached out to senior consultant endocrinologist Prof Dr Chan Siew Pheng for some insights.
According to her, Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas and destroys its ability to produce insulin, which is most common among young people. “These calories can then make you put on weight, which is the main risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. She also noted that those who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes compared to someone who has the genetics for developing diabetes but manages his or her weight well.“This may be caused by doing less physical activity, weight gain and losing muscle mass.”One of the very first steps to managing diabetes is making the right dietary changes, but to get started, it is vital to know two of the most common myths clouding the topic.
“You also have to reduce or maintain your weight goal, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet in order to manage your condition, as well as to prevent and manage diabetes complications that are life-threatening like heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and kidney damage.”Dr Chan said carbs shouldn’t be seen as the enemy of diabetics.