Apollo doctor debunks 10 common myths about diabetes: Are brown sugar, jaggery, or honey truly safe?

Diabetes is not the result of eating excess sugar alone, but it is caused by consumption of extra calories and weight gain (Image: Pexels)

• Brown sugar, jaggery, and honey also raise blood sugar levels
• Thin people and young adults can also develop diabetes
• Diabetes is not just caused by eating excess sugar

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There are many myths about diabetes that are not true. An Apollo doctor clarified some of these misconceptions, including the idea that brown sugar, jaggery, or honey are safe for consumption.

Even if you are not diabetic, you may have heard many common beliefs about this chronic disease, most of which may not be true. This includes swapping white sugar for brown sugar, jaggery, or honey. There are also those who believe that thin people don’t get diabetes or that it occurs only in old age.

Addressing the common myths, Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, took to his X account and wrote, “1 in 9 adults has diabetes. Half of them don't even know it. The bigger problem? Misinformation.” Here’s a look at 10 common myths that he shared along with facts.

Also read | Diabetes control: 5 early symptoms of diabetes in men and women

🚨 1 in 9 adults has diabetes. Half of them don't even know it.

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The bigger problem? Misinformation. Let’s break 10 common myths. DIABETES: MYTHS vs FACTS 1️⃣ Myth: “Only people who eat too much sugar get diabetes.” ✅Fact: Diabetes develops due to genetics, insulin resistance,… — Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) February 26, 2026

Diabetes: Myths vs facts

Myth 1: “Only people who eat too much sugar get diabetes”

Dr Kumar clarified that diabetes is not the result of eating excess sugaralone, but it is caused by consumption of extra calories and weight gain. He said, “Diabetes develops due to genetics, insulin resistance, obesity, inactivity, and pancreatic dysfunction.”

Myth 2: “Thin people don’t get diabetes”

There are many who believe that those with slimmer frames don’t get diabetes. But this is far from true. Even with normal weight, there are chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. South Asians are more vulnerable due to higher visceral fat and genetic predisposition.

Myth 3: “If I start insulin, my diabetes is very severe”

Insulin is part of the treatment and shouldn’t be viewed as a failure. “In Type 1 diabetes, it is life-saving from day one. In Type 2, it may be needed temporarily (some common situations are infection, surgery, pregnancy),” Dr Kumar explained.

Also read | Blood sugar is under control in people living in high altitude, low oxygen protects against diabetes

Myth 4: “Diabetes happens only in old age”

Many young adults are caught by surprise, as they think that diabetes is a disease of the elderly, but that’s not the case anymore. Sedentary lifestyle and over-processed foods are key factors responsible for causing diabetes in young people.

Myth 5: “If I feel fine, my sugar must be normal”

If you feel fine, even then chances are you may have diabetes, as it remains silent for years before symptoms begin to show up. It can affect the blood vessels and organs before you even notice.

Myth 6: “Brown sugar, jaggery, or honey are safe”

Not just those with diabetes, but many people also think brown sugar, honey, and jaggery are better than processed white sugar. This is far from true. Dr Kumar clarified, “They all raise blood glucose. “Natural” does NOT mean harmless.”

Myth 7: “Medicines mean I can eat anything”

Most people on medication think they can eat what they like. They shouldn’t do so, as pills cannot serve as an alternative to a poor lifestyle. Both diet and physical activity are considered non-negotiable.

Myth 8: “Diabetes is mild; just a sugar problem”

People with diabetes are often at the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage. This means that it shouldn’t be treated as just a sugar issue, but a vascular disease, which can cause serious health complications.

Myth 9: “Fruits are banned”

Because fruits contain sugars, people with diabetes refrain from eating them altogether. Dr Kumar said, “Fruits are allowed; portion size matters. Whole fruit is preferred over fruit juice.”

Myth 10: “Nothing can be done once diabetes develops”

When detected early, Type 2 diabetes can go into remission with weight loss, structured diet, exercise, and medical supervision.  Pre-diabetes is often reversible.

FAQs on Diabetes

1. What causes diabetes?

Diabetes is caused by genetics, insulin resistance, obesity, inactivity, and pancreatic dysfunction, not just by consuming excess sugar.

2. Can thin people get diabetes?

Yes, even people with normal weight can develop Type 2 diabetes, especially South Asians due to higher visceral fat and genetic predisposition.

3. Is insulin a sign of severe diabetes?

No, insulin is a normal part of diabetes treatment. It can be life-saving in Type 1 diabetes and may be needed temporarily in Type 2 diabetes.

4. Does diabetes only affect older people?

No, diabetes can affect young adults due to sedentary lifestyles and over-processed foods.

5. Are brown sugar, jaggery, or honey safe for diabetics?

No, they all raise blood glucose levels. "Natural" does not mean harmless.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.