All I know is when I was diagnosed in February 1972 I was told, “There’ll be a cure in five years.” I know, you were told that too. And, “Your lifespan will be fifteen years shorter than average.”
Well, this week marks my 52nd ‘diaversary.’ The medal from Joslin, above, I received two years ago when I crossed the 50 year threshold. Due to Covid I didn’t get to go to Boston and attend any kind of ceremony. Still, it’s nice to look at.
As to the second prediction, recent studies show that people with type 1 diabetes, who take good care of themselves, tend to live longer than the average American. I’m assuming that average American is eating a relatively poor diet of processed foods and not physically active.
In some ways the more years you live with type 1 the easier it gets. You know your patterns better, you get used to doing certain things like ordering medicine and supplies, and if you’re lucky, you have a few friends, or just one, with diabetes. At the same time, it gets harder. More tiresome, maybe some complications have come and there are a pile-up of endless, countless days you wonder, “How did that happen?!”
Still, at an age when I’ve already lost friends to other conditions, I’m grateful I’m still here.
Diabetes Stories 
Congratulations Riva! You are an inspiration to us!!!
That’s my celebration gift, thank you
Riva, as always, I enjoy reading your inspirational stories. I’m amazed and perplexed I’m still alive and kicking after 61 years. Half of those years I didn’t take care of myself at all and was completely out of control – yet here I am. Your comment about having lost friends to other conditions hits home with me as well. As difficult as this is, it could have been so much worse for us. Keep up the good work my friend. 💕
Thanks Merle, I know we’re keeping apace. Do you have any complications at this point after 61 years. I know my first decade also suffered from barely any care, no meters, as you know. Then I suspect my second decade wasn’t all that much better with so little info out there. I think some of our doing well is genetic. Not just lifestyle behavior.
One of the most liberating things I’ve learned from your blog is that ‘being in control’ is a myth. I can manage and mess up in one second flat. Or that my glucose messes up without any provocation. Stressing because of loss of control is useless. Knowing it is OK is such a blessing. Thank you.
I’m really moved to hear that. This was published in Diabetes Sisters’ newsletter in December: https://diabetessisters.org/newsletter/december-2023-myth-controlling-blood-sugar-and-better-way-manage-it. In a week or two I’ll be posting another article about control that diaTribe is publishing. Yes, knowing there is no such thing as control is freeing.
At 59 I was diagnosed with type 1 after living a pretty healthy lifestyle. Since my brother had been diagnosed 25 years before and I’ve been active in helping manage his diabetes, naively, I thought I could handle my diagnosis well. It’s like having a second job 24/7. I’m thankful I was diagnosed at almost 60 and not as a younger person. With some minor lifestyle changes I’ve been able to manage pretty well but at the beginning, I was afraid to do anything, even drive to work. It’s been almost a year and I feel very positive that as diabetics we can live a long healthy life. Thank you for being an inspiration.
Thank you Jackie, I wish you only the best. This came out today in diaTribe, maybe it helps you too https://diatribe.org/why-controlling-blood-sugar-shouldnt-be-goal?omhide=true&utm_source=diaTribe&utm_campaign=8e6607991d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_05_16_23_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_22467a8528-8e6607991d-150036105