Well, I finally made it. 50 years last month! Very early on no one believed it was possible. I mean 30 was how long we were told I’d live to. So once I hit 30, I celebrated each birthday as a stick it to you diabetes, I am still here and living a happy, healthy productive life. Everything we were told, did not happen.
And while each year came and went, I never really gave it much thought. But this year we had a party! A party for where my family and I started and where my family is now.
So this is a little late but here is our celebration! I had deep dish Lou Malnati’s that we ordered in from Chicago! And than an ice cream Oreo cake! And root beer floats later in the evening. It was very nice to not think about blood sugars for one day. Yes, I did take insulin but didn’t worry about missing. And wow, did I miss. My time in range was 59% and the following day it was still not to my 80% goal. But got back to it and really enjoyed that pizza!!!
I couldn’t have made this long without my parents, siblings, husband and children. This is not a disease of one. It is a family condition, that affects everyone. Always thought 50 years was unattainable but have meet many who are 60, 70, 80 years with diabetes. Yeah to all of us for continuing the fight!
So exciting! Thank you for the photos! You don’t look old enough to have 50 years under your belt. Amazing! That cake looks delicious.
Happy 50th Diaversary 
Congratulations!!! Totally worth celebrating.
Congratulations!! That cake is well deserved!
Congratulations, Sally! It looks like you thoroughly enjoyed celebrating 50 years of thriving despite diabetes. You’re right to recognize your family and friends who contributed to your success.
I grew up in Chicago and fondly remember eating deep dish pizza at downtown Chicago pizzerias. Thanks for sharing!
Congratz Sally! Your feast looks festive indeed.
I hit 51 years a month ago and am healthy and happy. My parents, both docs trained in Scotland, didn’t think I’d live to see 30. I’m glad they were wrong!
Congratulations on 50 yrs!!!
Congrats @Sally7
I just hit 55.
Based on what we were told in the early days, we’ve beat the odds, thanks to all the new products, and alot of determination and luck !!
Thanks & congratulations to you also. And I do agree, there is a lot of luck and good genes that have allowed me to be so healthy all these years. I mean my control left much to be desired in those first 20 years. And technology has moved very quickly over the past 15 years and I am enjoying every new breakthrough!
Thanks, you are very sweet but yes I am getting that old. But I do think the diabetes did help keep me healthier than most. Better diet, better exercise levels, seeing doctors regularly, having preventive testing done regularly has helped keep me in pretty good shape.
Thanks, Terry. Nothing I love more than pizza and a good Chicago deep dish is the best kinda pizza in my opinion! I mentioned it to my family that a subscription gift of pizzas would be pretty nice!!
Congratulations, celebrating is part of life. And many more years to come. Nancy50
Congratulations!! I’m at 45, but hope to also celebrate in 5! (I think I’m quite a bit older than you though!!) As for your feast, my grandmother always said, A little of what you fancy does you good!! (I think that the expression A Little is the key here 
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Congrats Sally! And thanks for sharing your story, I laughed out loud thanks to you and your celebratory pizza and Oreo ice cream cake! I loved hearing about it as much as you probably enjoyed having it!
Thank you, truly from the bottom of my heart!
-Steve
Yeah, that motto is one I live everyday. I don’t have any foods that are off my diet. I eat whatever I want whenever I want. But the key is always how much! So for that one special day, more was the way to go! Next year, it will be just another day. I have never really thought about my anniversary much. Just the year I turned 30 because I was told I would not live past 30 and of course 50 because back in 1970, that just wasn’t thought possible!
Congratulations Sally! Today I hit 62 years with Type 1. I was told if I made it to 45 it would be a miracle! YES, yeah to all of us!
Congratulations @Jane22 
62 years is quite an achievement, especially given the treatment options in the old days!
I was diagnosed in 1966 – 54 years ago. However, for the reasons you mentioned above, the doctor told my crying mother that I would probably live to be 99! My mother passed away earlier this year at age 96 (two months shy of her 97th birthday), so I figure that the gene pool is in my favor. If I live to 99, I will have been diabetic 87 years. Stay active and healthy, sister! And welcome to the “over 50 years” club.