Diabetes is NOT the so-called death sentence it once was, or was believed to have been. Diabetes is a disease from a pancreas that simply can no longer produce insulin on its own, either partially or not at all. However, what are the facts? What is fiction? Well, we break some of them down for you.

Eating too much sugar can cause diabetes. Truth is sugar consumption has never been a real link to diabetes. It's assumed that obesity is linked to sugary foods and drinks and its the obesity that leads to diabetes more than the sugars itself. In fact most doctors will tell you that if your carbohydrates are at or below your daily allowance, your sugar level is more than fine.

Type 2 diabetes isn't as bad as Type 1. In some ways its true because most type 2 is controlled by diet and exercise and a pill versus insulin shots, however either type can lead to complications if you don't follow doctor's orders. Just because you have type 2 doesn't mean you are safe from the same body failures as a type 1 diabetic.

I Am Cured! Just because you have your diabetes under control with your diet and exercise, and are no longer taking medication for it, doesn't mean you are no longer diabetic. You will always be a diabetic. It's just in a controlled manner. Outside of a pancreas or islet cell transplant, there is no cure for diabetes. Once a diabetic, always a diabetic - don't lose focus on that.

It's dangerous for a diabetic to exercise. Uh, NO! Exercise is one of the biggest keys to diabetes management. Strenuous exercise can cause blood levels to drop, but regular, somewhat low key exercise is exactly what the doctor ordered. If you're unsure, see your doctor before starting an exercise program.

You have to follow a strict "diabetic diet." No such thing! Any person, with or without diabetes, should always eat a healty well-balanced meal or foods. Also, portion size is key. Keep it small. Your pancreas goes on overload when it tries to produce enough insulin to balance out a big meal. It will ultimately fail. With diabetes you can still enjoy your favorite foods, but again consider the size and how often you eat it. Eat healthy most of the time and have your favorite unhealthy item in moderation... meaning only once in awhile. Ice cream for example should be a tablespoon or two per week and not a bowl or two per day.

Diabetic women should avoid pregnancy. Wrong! If a woman has her diabetes in control, there is no reason she can't have a healthy baby. If you are diabetic and considering having a child, consult your doctor for advice.

1. Knowledge Is Power. The fear of the unknown can lead to depression, therefore if you haven't already done so, start to educate yourself about your disease. Learn how you got it, and how your future actions can affect it either for the better or for the worse. You may be surprised that in many cases, after learning more can actually put your mind at ease.

2. Seek Support. Contact people you know, or don't know, and learn from their experiences to help you through this. The worse thing you can do is to be silent about your disease. Not only will you learn from those who are living it, but you never know who you may end up helping in return.

3. Keep Perfection In Perspective. Setting smaller goals is easier to achieve and will allow you to achieve the bigger goal without it seeming out of reach. However, remember to reward your successes. In addition, when you have some failures - AND YOU WILL - use it as a learning experience and not that of a failure. It's so easy to get yourself down. You did it, now suck it up and get back on track. Don't let it beat you! Only you are in charge!

4. Keep Moving. American Heart Assn recommends at least 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week. Sometimes it feels like a chore to do it, but when you do, you will be happy you did it. It doesn't have to be a harsh workout, no one is judging you if they see you and you're not in competition with anyone else... only with yourself! Exercise will raise your endorphin levels, natures mood boost. Exercise also puts you in control and a sense of accomplishment.

Ever wondered how you can fit more grains into your daily diet, here are some ideas:

1. When baking, replace half your white flour with whole wheat flour.

2. When making bread stuffing (holidays perhaps?), add a half cup of barley, wild rice or bulgar.

3. Add barley or quinoa to stews and soups.

4. Go with brown rice instead of white rice.

5. Replace regular pasta with whole wheat pasta.

6. For breakfast, go with oatmeal or shredded wheat.

7. Use Whole wheat or whole grain bread instead of white. Also, check list of ingredients because plain wheat bread is usually made from white flour. Besure its "whole wheat."

8. For snacking, opt for low-fat popcorn or whole grain crackers.