A fellow Joslin Medalist recently made a post in ‘The Joslin Medalist’ group page. He wanted to know how we felt about the differences from when we were diagnosed so long ago compared to the present day, and how fortunate we feel that we are in the 21’st century.
I started writing a very long blog to answer his request. The blog kept getting longer, and longer. The other replies were not so long as mine, so I deleted the blog and gave the following summary.
1945-1970…I led a normal life, with no fear, even though I took one shot each day, and tested my urine. No complications, no problem!
Ignorance of the true nature of type 1 diabetes was bliss!
1970-1990…I learned about the possible complications, and saw terribly high numbers on my first meter. I was very scared!! I did not know what to do about that. My doctors were very little help.
1995-2006…I completed my first 60 years of Type 1, and had no diabetes related complications, except for some neuropathy. That, and my joining my first online support groups, gave me confidence, and my fears were gone.
2006-2017…I am using a pump and CGM, and my A1c’s are very good, in the 5.4-6.4 range for about 15 years now. Like someone else said, it is a lot more work, but it is good to know what I am doing, and seeing good results. I don’t mind the extra work with the devices we have now. Good diabetes management, and no serious complications after 71 years of type 1 is wonderful!!