In an era where superfoods and 'miracle diets' dominate social media feeds, distinguishing medical facts from viral fiction has become a life-saving necessity for millions.
With India currently home to 'over 100 million people living with diabetes', the urgency for evidence-based nutrition has never been higher, Aishwarya A Kumbhakoni, consultant dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital shared in an interview with HT Lifestyle. She addressed the misinformation trailing the 'diabetes epidemic', sharing that while many look for a quick fix in their spice cabinet, diabetes management is about a 'structured and personalised roadmap', not a single ingredient.
One of the most persistent claims in Indian households is that kitchen staples like fenugreek seeds (methi dana), jamun, or dalchini (cinnamon) can 'cure' diabetes. Aishwarya was quick to clarify the science: “No single food has been scientifically proven to cure diabetes.” She explained that while certain ingredients can support a healthy diet, sustainable glucose control requires a holistic combination of medication adherence, physical activity, and routine monitoring.
Aishwarya highlighted several misconceptions that often lead patients toward restrictive or ineffective diets:
Myth 1: Eating too much sugar directly causes diabetes
Fact: "Contrary to the myth that excess sugar intake directly causes diabetes, frequent consumption of calorie-dense foods rich in refined sugars and unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain — especially abdominal fat—which increases insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is one of the significant risk factors for PCOD, GDM and type 2 diabetes," Aishwarya said.
"There is strong evidence linking high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages such as packaged juices, milkshakes, energy drinks, and carbonated beverages with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The concern lies not only in sugar content but also in the rapid spike in blood glucose, and lack of fibre, that accompany these beverages. In reality, type 2 diabetes involves complex factors like genetics, visceral fat, and lifestyle, while type 1 is an autoimmune condition," she added.
Myth 2: You must avoid all fruit because it is high in sugar
Fact: Fruit is part of a healthy diet, but portions should be managed, she said. "Fruit does contain natural sugars known as ‘fructose’, but it is also rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that support overall health. The fibre in whole fruits helps slow down the rise in blood glucose levels. People with diabetes shouldn’t eliminate fruits from the diet - portion control and choosing whole fruits over juices is key. When eaten in moderation as a mid-meal, low to moderate glycemic Index fruits can be part of a balanced diet," Aishwarya said.
Myth 3: Jaggery and honey are healthier substitutes for sugar
Fact: According to Aishwarya, jaggery, honey, and refined sugar are all forms of simple carbohydrates. "While jaggery may contain trace minerals, and honey may have minor antioxidant properties, their carbohydrate and calorie content is similar to table sugar. All three can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels and should be limited in individuals with diabetes. 'Natural' does not automatically mean 'diabetes friendly'. Portion control remains essential regardless of the type of sugar used," Aishwarya explained.
Myth 4: People with diabetes must completely avoid rice
Fact: Rice, like wheat and other cereals, is a carbohydrate-rich food. While white rice has a higher glycaemic index, it does not need to be eliminated entirely, Aishwarya said. According to her, “Avoid combining multiple carbohydrate sources in the same meal (eg, rice with roti or bhakri). Instead, choose one cereal option in moderate quantity and pair it with adequate protein (dal, curd, legumes, lean meats) and fibre-rich vegetables to reduce the overall glycaemic load. The key lies in mindful portion control, complemented by generous servings of fibre and protein rich foods to enhance satiety and support better post-meal glycemic control.”
Switching to brown rice or incorporating millets may improve fibre intake, but total carbohydrate quantity and overall meal composition remain more important than simply changing the grain, Aishwarya said.
Myth 5: Sugar-free sweets are safe to consume freely
Fact: "Artificial sweeteners such as stevia and saccharin are approved for use in limited quantities and may be used safely in beverages like tea or coffee. However, many 'sugar-free' desserts are still high in fats and total calories. Even if they are sucrose-free, they can contribute to weight gain and poor metabolic control when consumed frequently. A dessert labelled “diabetic-friendly” is not automatically a free pass for unlimited intake. Moderation is key," Aishwarya explained.
Myth 6: Fenugreek, jamun, or cinnamon can cure diabetes
Fact: "Certain spices and plant-based foods such as fenugreek seeds (methi dana), cinnamon, and jamun may have beneficial properties and can enhance the nutritive value of meals. However, no single food or ‘superfood’ has been scientifically proven to cure diabetes. Sustainable blood sugar control requires a structured dietary plan, regular physical activity, medication adherence (if prescribed), and routine monitoring," Aishwarya said.
In an era filled with social media "miracle cures," separating clinical facts from viral fiction is crucial. Addressing this issue, Aishwarya A. Kumbhakoni, a Registered Dietitian and Consultant at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, clarified the science behind common household assumptions.
She was direct about the most persistent claim in Indian kitchens: No single food—including fenugreek (methi dana), jamun, or cinnamon (dalchini)—has been scientifically proven to cure diabetes.
While these kitchen staples have healthy properties that can complement a balanced diet, sustainable blood sugar management relies on medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, and medication compliance, rather than any single "superfood."
The 8 Common Diabetes Myths Busted
Myth 1: Kitchen staples like methi, jamun, and dalchini can "cure" diabetes.
The Fact: They cannot. While fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber that helps slow down carbohydrate absorption, and cinnamon may slightly improve insulin sensitivity, they are supportive elements, not cures. Diabetes is a complex metabolic condition requiring a structured, holistic management roadmap.
Myth 2: Eating too much sugar directly causes diabetes.
The Fact: Sugar intake does not directly trigger the condition. However, frequently consuming calorie-dense foods loaded with refined sugars and unhealthy fats causes weight gain (especially abdominal fat). This weight gain increases insulin resistance, which is a primary driver for Type 2 diabetes, Gestational Diabetes (GDM), and PCOS.
Myth 3: Diabetics must completely give up eating rice.
The Fact: You do not need to banish rice from your kitchen. White rice does have a high glycemic index, but the key is managing the glycemic load of the entire meal. Dietitians recommend avoiding multiple carbs at once (like eating rice and roti together). Instead, eat a moderate portion of one grain and pair it with plenty of fiber-rich vegetables and solid protein sources (like dal, curd, paneer, or lean meats) to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Myth 4: "Sugar-free" sweets are completely safe to eat in unlimited amounts.
The Fact: While artificial sweeteners or natural alternatives like stevia are safe for a cup of tea or coffee, "sugar-free" packaged mithais and desserts are often heavily packed with fats and empty calories to maintain texture and taste. Overindulging can still cause weight gain and poor metabolic control.
Myth 5: You can replace sugar entirely with jaggery or honey without a problem.
The Fact: Jaggery (gur) and honey are often perceived as "healthy," but biologically, your body processes them exactly like refined white sugar. They cause similar, rapid blood sugar spikes. While they contain minor micronutrients, their glycemic impact is virtually identical to commercial sugar, meaning they must be tightly moderated.
Myth 6: If you are thin or average weight, you cannot get Type 2 diabetes.
The Fact: Weight is only one piece of the puzzle. A person can experience "lean diabetes" due to genetic predispositions, high levels of visceral fat (fat stored deep around internal organs, often presenting as a "potbelly"), high stress, poor sleep patterns, or a completely sedentary lifestyle.
Myth 7: You can stop taking your diabetes medications once your blood sugar numbers touch normal levels.
The Fact: Normal blood sugar readings mean your current treatment plan—including your lifestyle changes and prescribed medications—is actively working. Stopping your medications abruptly without your doctor's supervision will almost always cause your blood glucose levels to spike back up, increasing the risk of long-term cardiovascular and kidney complications.
Myth 8: Skipping meals is a smart, effective way to lower blood sugar levels.
The Fact: Skipping meals throws off the metabolic balance. It can trigger dangerous drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you are on specific diabetes medications. Furthermore, starving the body often leads to intense hunger pangs later in the day, causing overeating, erratic glucose fluctuations, and worsened insulin resistance over time.













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