"The moment I received my official diagnosis, I dropped all my assumptions about type 2 diabetes. It was so freeing." -Member of DiabetesTeam

Living with a chronic condition can be difficult and even a burden, but also an opportunity to rid yourself of what you think you know.

Have you heard the saying, "People don't get it until they get it"? That is so true about diabetes.

"The more I learn about type 2 diabetes, the more I realize that it's not my fault." -Member of DiabetesTeam

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis forces us to drop our negative assumptions about life with a chronic condition. Members on DiabetesTeam gain perspective from other members' experiences to become better informed about what it's really like to live with diabetes.

Here are recent conversations from members of DiabetesTeam:

• "I have been checking my sugar more than my doctor said and it is getting better. I am slowly learning what runs it up and what does not. I should understand more after next week."
• "Getting into the habit of ensuring the food I need is ready the night before is tough. But I'm learning, and making adjustments as I go."
• "I'm just a beginner, only being diagnosed a few years ago, but becoming more aware every day of regulated diet and exercise."

What negative assumptions have you let go of about diabetes? Tell us about it in the comments below or directly on DiabetesTeam.com.