The number of diabetes cases have risen in the last few years thanks to sedentary lifestyles, consumption of fast food, and other modern-day habits. Despite its prevalence, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding this health condition. This World Diabetes Day, let's bust some common myths surrounding diabetes to help diabetic people lead a happy and safe life.

Observed on 14th November since 1991, World Diabetes Day marks the birth of Canadian Scientist Sir Frederick Banting, who contributed to the discovery of insulin. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) have dedicated this day to spreading awareness about this lifestyle disease. The theme for this World Diabetes Day is 'Access to Diabetic Care: If Not Now, When?'.

You may routinely read or hear things about diabetes that may not necessarily be true. Here are some myths that need debunking.

The market is flooded with artificial sweeteners, said to serve as a safer substitute for refined sugar. While artificial sweeteners do not cause a significant sugar spike, they do contain sugar alcohol components known to worsen insulin resistance. Such sweeteners also contain harmful ingredients that prove detrimental in the long run.

Most newly diabetes patients believe that they have to eliminate sugar from their diet altogether. However, little sugar is necessary as it keeps your glucose levels in check and prevents you from fainting due to low sugar. If you maintain a healthy diet, you can occasionally indulge in sweets.

Age has nothing to do with diabetes. While type 2 diabetes is more common among people aged 45 and above, infants and young adults can also be diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes due to factors like genetics, lifestyle habits etc. If you have a family history of diabetes, you should take active measures to prevent its onset.

You can lead a wholesome, healthy life despite your diabetes diagnosis. Today, you can use portable glucose monitoring devices to check your sugar levels anytime. As a Type 1 diabetic, you can use numbing devices to eliminate the pain of insulin injections. If you are travelling, you can carry your insulin injections in cold packs. Plus, you can download several apps to manage your diet as a diabetic person.

Diabetes indeed compromises your ability to participate in high-impact sports. However, it does not completely restrict you from being active. In fact, regular exercise helps you maintain your glucose levels. You may also indulge in other light athletic activities with proper precautions.

A diabetes diagnosis makes you vulnerable to other health conditions, which can prove expensive. It thus helps to invest in health insurance. Even if you have diabetes, insurers typically provide health insurance policies for pre-existing diseases. These policies cost more and come with longer waiting periods, but they reduce your expenses in the long term.

This World Diabetes Day, safeguard your physical and financial health by investing in health insurance.