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Common Misconceptions
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Overview
There are many misconceptions surrounding Type 1 diabetes, especially regarding its causes, treatment, and who can develop the condition. Below, we address some of the most common myths and clarify the facts.
Myth: "I live a healthy lifestyle and I’m not overweight, so I can’t get autoimmune T1D."
Fact:
Autoimmune Type 1 diabetes is not caused by poor diet or lack of exercise.1,2 It is the result of a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers that attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While lifestyle choices are important for managing health overall, they do not directly influence the development of autoimmune T1D.3,4
Myth: "I can halt or reverse autoimmune T1D with diet and exercise."
Fact:
Healthy eating and regular exercise are crucial for overall well-being, including for people with autoimmune T1D. However, these factors cannot stop or reverse the autoimmune process that causes T1D.1,2 The damage to insulin-producing cells is progressive and irreversible, making the need for insulin therapy lifelong.5
Myth: "Only children develop autoimmune T1D"
Fact:
Although T1D was once thought to primarily affect children5,6, it is now widely recognised that adults can develop the condition too. In fact, up to 62% of new T1D diagnoses occur in adults (20 years and over).6 Learn who is at greater risk of T1D
Myth: "I would know if I had autoimmune T1D."
Fact:
The symptoms of T1D, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue, can appear gradually. It is possible for someone to have the condition for some time without noticing, making early diagnosis difficult.7 Regular monitoring and awareness of risk factors are essential for detecting T1D sooner.7
Myth: "Insulin is a cure for autoimmune T1D."
Fact:
While insulin is a life-saving treatment for those with T1D, it is not a cure. Insulin helps manage blood sugar levels but does not address the root cause of the disease, which is the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin.8 Early detection and insulin therapy can help manage the condition and improve quality of life7,8, but T1D is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing care.2 Learn more about symptoms and complications of T1D
What is Autoimmune T1D?
Am I or my family at risk?
Can T1D be detected early?
If you are concerned about diabetes or its symptoms, please speak to your healthcare professional
References
- Breakthrough T1D. Fact-checking myths and misconceptions about type 1 diabetes. Accessed May 2026.
- Breakthrough T1D. Type 1 diabetes vs type 2 diabetes. Accessed May 2026.
- Insel RA, Dunne JL, Atkinson MA, et al. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(10):1964-1974.
- Weires MB, Tausch B, Haug PJ, et al. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2007;115(10):634-640.
- DiMeglio LA, Evans-Molina C, Oram RA. Lancet. 2018;391(10138):2449-2462.
- Gregory GA, Robinson TIG, Linklater SE, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022;10(10):741-760.
- Sims EK, Besser REJ, Dayan C, et al. Diabetes. 2022;71(4):610-623.
- Ziegler AG, Danne T, Daniel C, et al. Med. 2021;2(10):1120-1137.