Despite Singapore's decade-long war on diabetes and the extensive public health campaigns targeting individuals, communities, and the food and beverage industry to lower sugar consumption and increase awareness of this disease, some myths could be undermining your ability to control your blood sugar effectively.

Common Diabetes Myths Debunked

Myth #1: Diluting fruit juice or sweetened beverages with more water can help lower my blood sugars

While dilution does make drinks taste less sweet, you are still consuming the same amount of sugar as it only reduces the concentration. The total sugar content in the diluted drink remains the same, which can still cause a spike in blood glucose levels.

If you enjoy juices or sweetened beverages occasionally, limit yourself to options with zero-sugar instead.

Myth #2: Bitter gourd, buckwheat tea or guava leaves can help lower my blood sugars

There are many natural foods, and their derivatives are often claimed to lower blood glucose levels. As a general rule of thumb, there is no harm consuming these foods in their natural form, e.g. sliced bitter gourd in soups, buckwheat flour in pancakes, buckwheat or guava leaves as a beverage. It is recommended to consume them in its natural state as much as possible and to avoid taking them with high sugar foods (e.g. blended with fruits).

If you are taking diabetes medications such as glipizide, metformin or insulin, it is important to note that taking these medications with blood sugar lowering-foods carries a risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). You should always monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and look out for symptoms of hypoglycaemia, such as trembling, cold sweat, and extreme hunger.

Myth #3: I need to avoid fruits such as watermelon, mango and grapes which are high in sugar

People with diabetes do not need to avoid fresh fruits. However, it is important to note that all fruits contain natural sugars such as fructose and glucose in varying amounts, which attributes to the sweetness. The ripeness of a fruit also affects how sweet it can taste.

It is recommended to eat a variety of fruits to obtain the necessary vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, which are all beneficial for health. Most importantly, stick to one serving per sitting (such as one small apple, one wedge of watermelon, or half a medium-sized dragon fruit) to prevent blood sugar spikes. Avoid dried or preserved fruits, which contain concentrated sugars and added preservatives.

Myth #4: Alcohol does not affect those with diabetes

Alcohol can significantly impact blood sugar levels and interact with diabetes medications, leading to potential risks such as hypoglycaemia.

While moderate alcohol consumption may be possible for some individuals with diabetes,  it is crucial to understand the potential risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider to create a safe drinking plan tailored to your health needs.

Take Diabetes Management to the Next Level with PTEC-DM

Understanding facts about diabetes is just the beginning. Effective diabetes management requires consistent monitoring, timely adjustments, and professional support, which is where SingHealth Polyclinics' Primary Tech-Enhanced Care for Diabetes (PTEC-DM) programme comes in.

This Home Monitoring Programme offers timely support to patients, to helps them manage their condition better from home with the use of simple technology and tele-consultations with the polyclinics.

How PTEC-DM Transforms Diabetes Care

Measure: Patients are encouraged to measure their blood sugar at home regularly with a blood glucometer. The readings will be saved automatically in the Health Discovery+ mobile app. Patients can view all past readings in a chart that tracks changes in their condition over time.

Measuring blood sugar levels with a glucometer
(Photo: Canva @Kwangmoozaa from Getty Images Pro)

Share: These readings will be shared with the polyclinic automatically. The care team will monitor the blood sugar readings and contact the patient if the condition is not well-controlled, or if there is a need to adjust the medications early.

Support: Receive timely advice on managing your blood sugar levels.

The Health Discovery+ mobile app will provide patients with timely and interactive advice, helpful reminders, and notifications to equip them with knowledge to better control their diabetes. To help patients save time and avoid additional trips to the polyclinic, the care team may also schedule a tele-consultation and provide clinical advice over the phone.

Benefits: Reduced risk of heart disease, kidney problems and other serious health issues

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, or blood sugar levels that are too high, would have a greater risk of heart diseases, kidney problems, and other serious health issues.

PTEC supports patients in making lifestyle changes and tracking their progress toward better health.

Getting Started

Do not let myths and misinformation derail diabetes management. With the right facts and PTEC-DM's comprehensive support system, take control of yours or a loved one’s health today.

Eligibility Criteria for PTEC-DM:

• Age 21-80 years old
• Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident
• Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
• Able to self-monitor blood sugar levels
• Not pregnant

Ask your polyclinic’s care team about PTEC, or sign up with this link.

Manage your health closer to home, with PTEC!

This article was contributed by Patient Education Workgroup, with inputs from Humairah Hameed, Dietitian, Allied Health, SingHealth Polyclinics. 

For further readings:

1. Krawinkel MB, Ludwig C, Swai ME, Yang RY, Chun KP, Habicht SD. Bitter gourd reduces elevated fasting plasma glucose levels in an intervention study among prediabetics in Tanzania. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Apr 24;216:1-7.
2. Tsai CH, Chen EC, Tsay HS, Huang CJ. Wild bitter gourd improves metabolic syndrome: a preliminary dietary supplementation trial. Nutr J. 2012 Jan 13;11:4.
3. Fuangchan A, Sonthisombat P, Seubnukarn T, et al. Hypoglycemic effect of bitter melon compared with metformin in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Mar 24;134(2):422-8.