The coping demands of diabetes may be insurmountable to the unprepared and unwary. The psychosocial, self-management, and knowledge/skill demands of diabetes can affect every aspect of a person's life. Planning ways to cope with this unique circumstance may help a diabetic person adjust to a complex and difficult lifelong problem. Viewing the client, family and friends, nurse, physician, dietitian, and relevant other team members as a full corporate partnership, with individual and shared responsibility, also lays the groundwork for realistic problem-solving and coping by all concerned.