Well usually its because everyone in their family has diabetes and they just assume that they will get it too because its genetic. Many diabetics also believe that losing your toes and feet is a normal progression of the disease. I end up telling them genetics gives you increased risk but doesn't mean you have to get it. I also tell them how with diet they can control or reverse it and may be able to get off meds for it.  Of course they've never seen this happen so they are shocked. Typically this is a younger fat who has watched their grandparents get it when they were in their 50/60s and their parents get it in their 30/40s so they assume they will get it in their 20s. The number of patients I've had contact with who have absolutely no idea how diabetes, nutrition, and health work is astounding, ASTOUNDING. They don't get basic science even.