Does rice really cause diabetes? An expert breaks the myth
Dr Singh refers to research published in The Lancet, a global journal of health research, to back up his claims with data.'It clearly shows that Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, all majorly have rice as a part of their food in all three meals. But the diabetes percentage in these states is less than 10%.'This challenges the idea that rice alone causes diabetes.advertisement'Now when you look at North Indian states like Punjab and Haryana, they majorly consume wheat or chapati and don't eat rice as much. Many people only make rice once a week or so. But the diabetes percentage in Punjab and Haryana is 12.4% and 12.7% respectively.'The numbers speak for themselves. If rice was the main cause, people who eat it more frequently should have higher diabetes rates.'So if rice was to blame, then the percentage in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha should have been higher.'GENES AND LIFESTYLE PLAY A BIGGER ROLEDr Singh emphasises that genetics and lifestyle are far more important when it comes to diabetes.'Diabetes is a genetic disease, and we carry these genes from our parents and pass them on to our children.'Having a family history of diabetes increases your risk, but it doesn't mean you are guaranteed to get it.'If we have that genetic sensitivity and we don't take care of our lifestyle, don't exercise, follow a sedentary lifestyle, then we will have high chances of getting diabetes.'However, living a healthy life can help lower those chances.'But if we maintain a proper lifestyle despite having the genetic sensitivity, then the chances are lesser.'Dr Singh sums it up simply.'To solely blame rice for this would not be right.'Avoiding rice completely is unnecessary. Choosing healthier rice varieties, eating balanced meals, and staying physically active can help prevent diabetes without giving up the food you love.- EndsMust Watch
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