No one really knows why some people have diabetes. Researchers have been working on that question for years without coming to an answer. We know close relatives of people with diabetes - brothers, sisters, parents, and children - have a greater chance of getting diabetes themselves. But we also know that diabetes is not caused by genetics alone. The majority of people with type 1 diabetes don't have any history of diabetes in their families.

One thing is certain: diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar. This myth probably stems from the way diabetes used to be treated. Long ago, people with diabetes were absolutely forbidden from eating any sugar. Fortunately, researchers now know people with diabetes can eat sugar, but you have to make sure it's in your meal plan.

The most important thing to remember is that it's not your fault you have diabetes. No one is to blame. Not you, not your parents. Nobody. Diabetes just happens. We don't know why. Until there's a cure, you have to learn good diabetes management and take care of yourself and your diabetes.

Okay, I have diabetes. Now what?

Now you start the road to good diabetes management. You have to learn to "juggle." That is, learn to juggle your food, medicine, and physical activities to achieve good blood glucose control. This will help you feel better every day, and avoid long-term complications associated with diabetes.