About This Article: Zoom Health has supplied home health tests to UK customers for nearly 20 years. This guide draws on our experience helping thousands of people monitor their health and understand diabetes. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Diabetes Myths Debunked: Facts vs Fiction
Diabetes remains widely misunderstood, even as cases continue to rise. Many people with diabetes report feeling judged by colleagues and peers. They describe facing blame for their diagnosis, experiencing workplace discrimination, and feeling scrutinised over their food choices and medication needs. This stigma affects millions—over 3.7 million people across the UK are living with diabetes today.
The good news? Many common beliefs about diabetes are simply myths. By understanding the facts, we can help reduce stigma and support those managing this condition.
In This Guide
Diabetes Myth #1: Only Overweight People Get Diabetes
Being overweight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, it is not a direct cause. Many overweight people never develop diabetes, while some people at a healthy weight do develop it.
Type 1 diabetes is entirely different. It’s an autoimmune condition unrelated to weight or lifestyle. It can affect people of any size, fitness level, or age.
The Reality
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes. Weight is one factor among many for type 2. Genetics, age, and ethnicity all play a role. Blame and stigma only make living with diabetes harder.
Diabetes Myth #2: Sugar Causes Diabetes
Diabetes affects blood sugar levels, but eating sugar doesn’t cause the condition itself. Eating excessive sugar harms overall health and wellbeing. However, moderate amounts of sweet foods are fine when part of a balanced diet.
The key is balance and physical activity. There’s no such thing as a “diabetic diet”—it’s simply eating healthily. This includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry.
People with diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose regularly. According to the NHS, blood sugar should be checked with an HbA1c test roughly every three months to ensure healthy levels. This helps prevent complications.
Diabetes Myth #3: Only Older People Get Diabetes
Diabetes can develop at any age. Type 1 most often appears in children and young adults. Recent research shows that over half of type 1 diagnoses now occur after age 30.
Type 2 diabetes typically develops in people over 45 years old. Yet it is increasingly common in younger age groups, including children, teenagers, and young adults. Nobody is too young to be at risk.
Diabetes Myth #4: You Can Tell if You’re Developing Diabetes
This myth is dangerously false. You can live with pre-diabetes for years without noticing any symptoms. Pre-diabetes has no obvious warning signs, yet it places you at serious risk.
Over 7 million people in the UK are pre-diabetic but don’t know it. This matters. A 2021 study found that pre-diabetes nearly doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke. Without testing, most people remain unaware.
People can live with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes for up to seven years. During this time, serious health damage—including organ damage and cardiovascular disease—can silently develop.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Diagnosing diabetes early is crucial. It reduces your chances of developing the condition and the damage that comes with it. The only reliable way to know is through testing.
Diabetes Myth #5: Diabetes is Nothing to Worry About
This belief is incorrect and potentially harmful. Diabetes is always serious. There is no such thing as a “mild case” of diabetes. If you have diabetes, you must manage it every single day.
Without proper management, diabetes leads to severe health problems including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss, and stroke. In extreme cases, it can result in limb amputation.
Living with diabetes means taking precautions. It also takes an emotional toll. Diabetes affects both physical and mental health. Depression and anxiety are common among people managing this condition.
Need Support? If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, professional help is available. Contact Diabetes UK via their helpline at 0345 123 2399.
What Customers Say
★★★★★ Lorraine H. – June 2025
“The diabetes test kit was simple to do and fast. It also put my mind at ease. A good all-rounder.”
★★★★★ Prof Eddie Fisher – April 2023
“Easy to use and follow test instructions, including a well laid-out test result table.”
★★★★★ M W. – May 2024
“Really well put together kit. Everything you need to know about the test and what each indicator means.”
Why Early Testing Matters
Testing is the only way to know your true risk. Pre-diabetes and early-stage diabetes often have no symptoms. By the time you feel unwell, damage may have already begun.
A simple home test can reveal your glucose levels and help you understand your health status. If results are concerning, your GP can arrange confirmatory blood tests and discuss next steps with you.
Regular monitoring—especially if you have risk factors like family history, being overweight, or being sedentary—is essential. Early detection gives you time to make lifestyle changes and prevent progression.
Testing at Home Zoom Health’s home diabetes test kit provides quick, easy results in 60 seconds. It tests glucose and ketone levels in a single urine sample—no needles, no fuss. Results are ready immediately, and you can share them with your doctor.
Understanding Diabetes Complications
Left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to serious health complications. However, with proper management, many of these complications can be delayed or even prevented entirely.
Cardiovascular Disease
People with diabetes face a much higher risk of heart attack and stroke. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves controlling heart function. Managing diabetes through medication, diet, exercise, and routine testing significantly reduces cardiovascular risks.
Kidney Disease
Uncontrolled blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to diabetic nephropathy—the main cause of kidney failure. Getting blood sugar under control can prevent or slow this progression. Regular kidney function checks through urine and blood tests are essential.
Eye Complications
Diabetic retinopathy damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss or blindness. High blood sugar is the culprit. Regular eye exams and early treatment can prevent vision loss entirely.
Foot Damage
Nerve damage and poor circulation increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputation. Daily foot care, regular inspection, and proper footwear are crucial. Those with neuropathy may need prescription shoes to prevent injury.
Skin Complications
Diabetes affects the skin through fungal infections, bacterial infections, itching, and other conditions. Proper skin care and blood sugar control prevent many of these issues.
Dementia Risk
Studies link type 2 diabetes to increased risk of vascular dementia caused by blood vessel damage in the brain. Controlling diabetes significantly reduces this risk. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and staying mentally active also protect brain health.
Mental Health Effects
Living with diabetes takes an emotional toll. Anxiety, stress, and depression are common. Counselling or diabetes support groups can help. Healthy lifestyle habits and self-care protect mental wellbeing.
Prevention Is Possible
With knowledge and the right treatment, diabetes complications can be delayed or avoided. Work closely with your healthcare team, monitor your health regularly, and make lifestyle adjustments as needed. Most importantly, keep blood sugar as close to target levels as possible. Small daily steps make a big difference over time.
About the Author
Anthony Cunningham – Health Writer & Editor
Anthony Cunningham, BA (Hons), MA, is a UK-based health writer and editor with over 20 years’ experience running Zoom Health, a trusted source for home health tests, preventive care, and wellness guidance. He creates clear, evidence-based articles using NHS, NICE, and WHO guidance. Where possible, content is reviewed by practising clinicians to enhance accuracy and reliability, helping readers make informed healthcare decisions.
Originally published: 2018 | Last updated: November 10, 2025
