It Is Not Your Fault

Many people wonder what caused their diabetes. The cause depends on the type of diabetes. Type 1 is thought to be an autoimmune reaction. This means the body's own defenses stop it from making insulin.

Type 2 is different. The body does not use insulin well, and it usually develops over many years. Your care team can tell you more about your own situation.

A hiker climbs a hill with a big backpack. Two heavy rocks named Blame and Shame are strapped onto the pack, and the hiker leans forward. Set it down: the rocks are left on the ground behind, and the hiker walks on standing up straight. With support: the rocks stay on the ground, and a second hiker named Support walks alongside with a hand on the first hiker's shoulder.

Blame means thinking it is your fault. Shame means feeling bad about yourself. Both can make questions harder to ask.

Blame and shame are like a heavy backpack on a long hike. They do not help your care, so you can set them down.

Support from your team and loved ones helps more.

A slider moves from a heavy backpack of blame and shame to a lighter load with support.

Key takeaways

• Several factors can play a part, and many are outside your control.
• Blame and shame make questions harder to ask.
• Support from your care team and loved ones helps more than blame.

Try it

Get a kind reply ready for blame, like "Many things play a part, and I am taking care of it."