Dispelling Diabetes Myths: Health Challenges and Misconceptions in China

As China observes World Diabetes Day on November 14, the country faces a rising tide of misconceptions and health challenges surrounding diabetes, a disease that affects more than 1.4 billion people in China. With the increasing number of cases among younger age groups, diabetes has become a growing concern in the nation.

Diabetes, often referred to as "sugar disease," is not caused by eating sugar, as many people mistakenly believe. According to medical professionals, there is a clear distinction between antiglycemic agents and sugar avoidance. Sugar is an essential nutrient for the human body and abstaining from any sugar intake can lead to health issues such as low blood sugar, anemia, and general malnutrition.

The Chinese tweets highlight two main types of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2 - emphasizing that sugar intake does not cause Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This condition is often hereditary.

The tweets also debunk the myth that eating sugary foods while fasting can lead to diabetes. People with normal pancreatic function can produce sufficient insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels within a short period. However, due to pancreatic dysfunction, diabetics are advised not to consume high-sugar foods on an empty stomach.

Lifestyle factors play a major role in the development of diabetes, as stated in the tweets. Unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming high-fat, high-oil, high-calorie, and high-sugar foods, can exacerbate the burden on the pancreas and contribute to diabetes. Additionally, habits like staying up late, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, also increasing the risk of diabetes.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and moderate nutrient intake are crucial to prevent diabetes. The glycemic index (GI) is an essential tool for measuring the rate at which carbohydrates in food raise blood glucose levels. It is important to note that the GI can vary depending on the quality, size, and cooking method of the same food items. In general, harder and drier foods tend to have a lower GI.

Despite the widespread prevalence of diabetes in China, the awareness and understanding of the disease remain limited. A survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that many people mistakenly believe that diabetes is a condition only older people or overweight individuals develop. This misconception may result in them overlooking early signs of diabetes, leading to severe complications if not properly managed.

Furthermore, research has found that COVID-19 can attack the pancreas, potentially leading to diabetes. A study published in the journal Nature Metabolism by researchers from Milan University in Italy and Harvard Medical School in the United States found that SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause acute and long-term disruption of glycometabolic control.

In conclusion, World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder for the Chinese population to stay informed about diabetes and its risk factors, as well as to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent and manage this chronic disease. By dispelling misconceptions and prioritizing a balanced diet and regular exercise, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing diabetes and lead healthier lives.

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