This is an interesting question because I think in part it comes down to how the term “diabetic complications” is actually defined and whether the definition corresponds to people’s own understanding of the term.
I’ve had Type 1 diabetes for nearly 30 years and my Mum for 40-odd. We’ve both had laser treatment on our eyes in the past but with no further laser treatment needed in the past 8-10 years and our vision is still good. We both take ACE inhibitors and statins and have done so for years, but is this preventive medicine because our risk of CVD as diabetics is high? I’ve also had microalbuminuria diagnosed although it now seems to be under control and has been for quite a number of years now. Last year I had an operation to release my frozen left shoulder (the right shoulder’s now going). Although frozen shoulder is not classified as a diabetes-related complication as far as I know, diabetics are more prone to it than the general population. I was recently diagnosed with gall stones and again, diabetics are more prone to these.
I genuinely feel that there cannot be that many diabetics who have absolutely no complications whatsoever or who are not prescribed any drugs in addition to insulin in order to prevent or slow down the development and progression of CVD, etc.
I am healthy. I can run/bike for miles at a time. I lift weights. I eat a good diet. I am strong, I rarely get sick. My cholesterol is great, my blood pressure is great. I have to worry a bit more about blood sugar than non-diabetics. But that absolutely does not make me unhealthy.
Line up ten average American non-diabetics, and I’ll go head to head with them health wise and will win in every single category.
I am 50 years old and have had diabetes since I was 8, so 42 years for me.
I come from the dark ages of no meters, no pumps and no A1c’s, so my endo feels my longevity and complication free life is because of genetics, as both my parents are still alive and fairly healthy and both in their 80’s.
My bloodwork is all normal as is my kidney function, and I have all my limbs.
My only complication that has been my whole diabetic life is a ton of skin issues, which cause no pain, but just wreak on me emotionally. Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
I have had diabetes for 41 years, ssince the age of 13. the only “related” complication I have is I tingling(peripheral neuropathy) in my feet due to a bout with pernicious anemia- another autoimmune disorder- serveral years ago. I do not like the pain, but it is random and I have stopped taking pills for this discomfort, as the side effects were nnt acceptable. I, like Karen above, are blessed with good genes and GOd’s grace and mercy, as all my lab results are excellent, I have an a1c of 6.7, and I am active and in pretty good health.
I eat a moderately low carb diet and use an insulin pump. I exercise by walking, bicyling , and gardening.
I really beleive that there will be a cure for type 1 within the next five years.
Many of the scare stories about losing a limb, etc., relate to complications in uncontrolled diabetes, type 1 or type 2 (and by uncontrolled, I mean long-term high blood sugars, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol and the lack of early detection of complications through regular A1C, blood pressure, blood lipid, kidney function, and eye exams).
Obviously, complications do happen. And they sometimes happen to people who have maintained good control and who have worked hard at it. Genetics do come into play (a family history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, for example, may increase the risk of complications, especially when diabetes is in the picture, too).
The self-management tools on the market today (OK, if you can afford them–that’s a huge issue; too many PWDs don’t have access to care) and the control targets mean that a 4-year-old diagnosed today who lives with it for over 35 years will have a much better chance that I have had in avoiding, delaying, or minimizing complications. And I’m doing pretty darn good.
Diabetes Forecast ran a lovely article in October 2008 about people who had lived for 50 years or more with diabetes. Their stories were impressive!
