Common Misconceptions

Misconception: "Insulin lowers blood sugar by destroying or breaking down glucose."

Reality: Insulin does not destroy glucose. It causes glucose to be stored — it makes liver and muscle cell membranes more permeable to glucose, allowing cells to take up glucose, which is then converted to glycogen. The glucose is not destroyed; it is retained in the body as glycogen and can be retrieved later when blood glucose falls.

Misconception: "Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the same condition and treated the same way."

Reality: They have different causes and different treatments. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells — patients cannot produce any insulin and require daily insulin injections. Type 2 is caused by insulin resistance — cells do not respond properly to insulin; it is often linked to lifestyle and managed primarily through diet, exercise, and weight loss, with medication if needed. Insulin injections are rarely the first treatment for Type 2.

Misconception: "Glucagon is a form of glucose."

Reality: Glucagon is a hormone (a protein). Glucose is a sugar used in respiration. Glucagon triggers the breakdown of glycogen to release glucose — it is the chemical messenger, not the substance being released. The three similar-sounding terms — glucose, glycogen, glucagon — have very different meanings.

Misconception: "Both insulin and glucagon are released at the same time."

Reality: Insulin and glucagon are antagonistic — they work in opposite directions and are not released simultaneously for the same purpose. High blood glucose stimulates insulin release and suppresses glucagon. Low blood glucose stimulates glucagon release and reduces insulin secretion. This opposite signalling is what allows precise control.