A study conducted among patients at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has found widespread misconceptions about diet and diabetes, with researchers warning that some of the beliefs could make disease management more difficult.

The study found that about 89 per cent of respondents believed people living with diabetes required a completely separate or special diet, while nearly three-quarters believed sugar must be avoided entirely.

Researchers said both beliefs were misconceptions, noting that effective diabetes management generally involves a balanced diet, appropriate portion sizes and attention to the quality and quantity of carbohydrates consumed.

The findings suggest that many patients may be approaching dietary management from an overly restrictive perspective rather than focusing on sustainable eating habits.

According to the researchers, there is no separate category of food that must be consumed exclusively by people with diabetes. Rather, dietary management involves balanced meals containing appropriate portions of carbohydrates, protein, fibre and healthy fats.

The study also highlighted the misconception that consuming sugar directly causes diabetes.

Researchers explained that the development of type 2 diabetes is influenced by several factors, including genetics, physical activity, body weight and overall dietary patterns. Excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks can contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor, but the relationship is more complex than simply attributing diabetes to sugar consumption.

The researchers also cautioned against the belief that people with diabetes must completely eliminate sugar from their diets.

They said occasional consumption of sweet foods could be compatible with diabetes management when incorporated into an overall balanced dietary pattern, with portion size and frequency remaining important considerations.

Other misconceptions identified around diabetes include the belief that the disease primarily affects wealthy people and that bitter herbs or foods can neutralise excess sugar in the blood.

Researchers warned that such beliefs could discourage people from seeking appropriate screening, medical care and dietary guidance.

They stressed that carbohydrate quality, portion control and consistency are important components of dietary management, with higher-fibre carbohydrate sources generally digested more slowly than highly refined alternatives.

The findings come amid growing attention to diabetes and nutrition in Nigeria, where public understanding of the condition remains an important part of prevention and management.

Meanwhile, Nigerian food manufacturer Elkris Foods has promoted a range of flour products, including plain oat flour, oat and fibre flour and instant plantain flour, as alternatives for consumers seeking to modify their carbohydrate intake.

The company says its instant plantain flour is produced from unripe plantain and is designed to provide a slower-digesting starch option.

Elkris Foods said its products are intended to allow consumers to retain familiar Nigerian meal formats while making dietary adjustments.

However, the company’s product claims are separate from the findings of the LAUTECH study and should not be interpreted as evidence that any particular flour product prevents or treats diabetes.