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Why do I have diabetes?

Published:
8-Feb-2005

By Russell Turner

Why do I have diabetes? Unfortunately nobody really knows why you have diabetes. Doctors and scientists have been working on that question for years without coming up with an answer. They know that if brothers, sisters, or parents have diabetes, then you have a greater chance of getting diabetes. But that's not always the case. They know that diabetes is not caused by genetics alone. That means you can get it even if nobody else in your family has it. A lot of people with type 1 diabetes don't have any history of diabetes in their families.

One thing is for sure, diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar. This story probably comes from the way diabetes used to be treated. Long ago, when your grandparents were kids, people with diabetes were not allowed to eat any sugar. Luckily, 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!

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You didn't do anything wrong. Nobody is to blame. Not you, not your parents. Nobody. Diabetes just happens. We don't know why but we do know that it's unfair. You should know that doctors are working very hard to find a cure. You have to learn good diabetes management and take care of yourself and your diabetes. This is a lot of responsibility but your parents will always be there to help you. Sometimes having diabetes will make you feel sad. Remember to talk to your parents when you feel sad, they love you and can probably help.

Okay, I have diabetes. Now what?

Now you continue with your normal life. You are the same person you always were, just now your pancreas doesn't work. The best way to keep your life normal is to do what your parents and doctor tell you to do, to take care of your diabetes. Sometimes when everyone else is having cake you might have to eat cucumbers. Yeech! But when you look at your life as a whole, cake and cucumbers are just a tiny part of it. Test your blood when you are supposed to, don't eat stuff that's not part of your meal plan, and when you feel sad make sure you talk to someone about it. Just following these three rules will help you feel good and keep your life normal. Good luck!