Diabetes Awareness: Busting Common Myths

Misinformation about diabetes is everywhere. It shapes how people think, talk, and even feel about the condition. These myths can discourage early testing and add pressure to those already managing their health. Let’s look at the facts behind the fiction.

 

“Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.”

This is one of the most common misconceptions, but it isn’t true. Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn’t use insulin properly or can’t produce enough of it. While eating too much sugar can contribute to weight gain, which increases risk, sugar itself isn’t the cause. The key is overall balance. A healthy, varied diet, regular activity, and maintaining a weight that’s right for you.

 

“Only older or overweight people get diabetes.”

Diabetes can affect anyone. Type 1 can appear at any age, including in children. Type 2 is more common in adults, but it’s increasingly seen in younger people too.

Weight plays a part, but so do family history, ethnicity, and age. Some people develop type 2 diabetes even if they aren’t overweight. Rather than judging by appearance, it’s more helpful to understand that risk factors are complex and often beyond anyone’s control.

 

“People with diabetes can’t eat carbs.”

Carbohydrates are not off-limits. NHS and Diabetes UK both recommend including healthy carbs as part of a balanced diet, things like whole grains, fruit, lentils, and vegetables.

‘Diabetic foods’, however, are unnecessary. They’re often expensive and don’t provide any real benefit. As our Diabetes Awareness training explains, small, regular meals with fibre-rich foods are the best way to support stable blood sugar levels.

 

“If you need insulin, you’ve failed.”

There’s no such thing as failure in diabetes management. Insulin is simply one of many tools that help keep blood sugar in range.

People with type 1 diabetes need insulin to live, and some with type 2 may need it later on when tablets or diet changes aren’t enough. NICE guidance, updated in 2024, emphasises that treatment should always be individual. Everyone’s diabetes journey looks different, and that’s perfectly normal.

 

“Exercise is risky if you have diabetes.”

In fact, the opposite is true. Movement helps control blood sugar, supports heart health, and improves mood. You might need to plan ahead or adjust medication to prevent hypos, but exercise is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy.

Whether it’s walking, swimming, gardening, or dancing, every bit of activity helps. The goal isn’t perfection… it’s consistency.

 

“Once you have type 2 diabetes, nothing can change.”

That’s not the case. Some people with type 2 diabetes can reach remission, meaning their blood sugar levels return to a healthy range without medication.

The NHS “Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission” programme has supported thousands of people to achieve this through guided nutrition and weight management. It’s not a cure, but it proves that with the right help, meaningful change is possible.

 

“You always know when your blood sugar is high or low.”

Not necessarily. Symptoms can be easy to miss, especially for people who’ve had diabetes for many years. Low blood sugar (hypo) can cause shakiness, sweating, or confusion, while high blood sugar (hyper) can cause tiredness or thirst.

It’s important to monitor levels regularly and act quickly if something feels off. Learning to recognise changes, even subtle ones, helps prevent serious complications.

 

“Diabetes care never changes.”

Care is improving all the time. NICE updated its type 2 diabetes guidance in late 2024, and the NHS launched its first national Diabetes Experience Survey to understand what matters most to patients. The goal is better access, tailored support, and more joined-up care for everyone.

 

Final thoughts

Diabetes isn’t caused by weakness, laziness, or sugar. It’s a complex condition that millions manage every day with resilience and strength. By challenging myths and sharing facts, we can build a more understanding and supportive conversation around diabetes.

If you’d like to learn more, visit Diabetes UK or NHS Diabetes.

Ashfield Services also provides professional Diabetes Awareness training to help teams build confidence, recognise warning signs, and support people living with the condition.