The concerns of patients at diagnosis of diabetes are poorly described in the literature. In this literature review, fear of complications and of getting worse were the two main topics of concern. Most studies support assessing the level of patient knowledge of diabetes at diagnosis and the provision of updated information by healthcare professionals. The patients’ view of the diagnosis and their long-term priorities should be considered when treatment options are determined. Practitioners should allow patients to freely express their concerns and explore their perceptions of the illness during a consultation.