To the OP. I am a dad of 2 T1 Ds. Part of optimisim is, I think the news on complications is that the current standards of T1 care can help significantly mitigate them. Well controlled diabetes is the leading cause of nothing. That said, properly managed pediatrics have a lot of variability in bg and I encorage you not to confuse variability and good management. AKA perfection is not possible and the expectation of it is the enemy of the good.
DCCT was part of a process driven by a consensus process to diabetes policy. It was also the last time that happened. There is a bill for another process like the one that created DCCT in congress and it is getting close to half the house.
DPAC has an easy button to thank cosponsors and asks other to join in support here: http://act.diabetespac.org/dpac/app/onestep-write-a-letter?3&engagementId=126180