1. Diabetes is always inherited.

There does seem to be a genetic element to both type 2 diabetes and obesity, which is why they can sometimes run in families. However, environmental factors, including diet and exercise, play a huge part In the development of both these conditions. It is important for everyone to eat healthy and exercise regularly to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or obesity.

2. Type 2 diabetes is not always caused by lack of insulin because some people with diabetes do not need to take insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, the body has increased insulin needs due to the reduced responsiveness or insensitivity of body cell to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to meet these increased needs of the body. The diet, exercise and drug treatments for type 2 diabetes attempt to both overcome insulin insensitivity and to stimulate more insulin secretion. Ultimately, however, the ability to stimulate the cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin is not enough and insulin injections are usually needed to achieve good control of blood glucose.

3. A high level of blood glucose is normal for some people.

This is untrue. People with diabetes should always try and keep their level of blood glucose as close to the normal range as is possible and convenient. High levels of blood glucose lead to an increased risk of eye, heart, Kidney and foot problems.

4. Insulin use causes weight gain.

Without sufficient insulin, digested food and muscle tissue are broken down and turned into glucose (sugar) by liver. This excess sugar is lost in the urine, an unnatural process not found in people without diabetes. Improved blood glucose control will reduce this loss of sugar in urine, and the calories retained are stored as extra fat, as in people without diabetes. Weight gain can also occur if too much insulin is being taken and extra calories are being taken to prevent or treat low blood glucose level.

5. People with diabetes cannot drink alcohol.

Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol with food has no adverse effect on blood glucose or insulin levels in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However alcohol can cause low glucose levels, If taken on an empty stomach or in excess. Beer contains a lot of carbohydrate, which counters the effects of the alcohol in causing hypos, but leads to weight gain if drunk regularly. People with or without diabetes can benefit from the heart protective effects of light to moderate intake of alcohol, red wine is beneficial.