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can a diabetic live their whole lives without any complications whatsoever?

(9 posts)

  1. Allison
    Member

    I have never met a Type 1 diabetic who's managed to do it. They usually get it when they are younger, and so they have a lot more time to develop complications. I do not know about Type 2s

    I was Type 1 and had almost all the complications except neuropathy and GI issues. (I had a kidney/pancreas transplant in 2005, and no longer need treatment for diabetes)

    It might be easier if someone's diagnosed with it now, but I was diagnosed in 1971 and there was no such thing as blood sugar testing then and no insulin pumps either.

    Plus there is a theory that no matter what you do, Type 1s may be predisposed to certain complications, and it differs according to the individual. And it's impossible to mimic the exact function of a working pancreas.

    It would be great if someone with Type 1 for more than 20 years responded and said they have no complications, and explained what they did.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  2. carbone
    Member

    Meaning no leg or arm amputations. no kidney transplant. no eye sight lost. nothing at all. Is it possible. How likely and unlikely?

    Posted 2 years ago #

  3. jane7
    Member

    If you manage your disease - that is keep your blood sugar within your doctor's guidelines - it is very likely indeed. Almost no one needs to have the extreme things you mention happen. Work with your doctor diligently, learn how you need to eat, exercise daily, take your medication and you can have a long and healthy life.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  4. Love my Pup!!
    Member

    If you manage yourself, and take care of your self properly, then yes no complications! This means, you cannot get lazy. Check your blood sugar 4+ times a day, and get your insulin shots correctly. Make sure you check your blood sugar when you feel at all anything out of the ordinary.. I would suggest reading the book, "Understanding Diabetes" This book gives awesome, understandable information. You'll notice it by the pink panther.. Good Luck

    Posted 2 years ago #

  5. Gary B
    Member

    It is ENTIRELY possible for a diabetic to live their complete life without MAJOR problems like kidney failure, amputations, blindness, or heart attacks.

    But most diabetics will have MINOR problems, itchy skin, numbness, or unexplained pain. Most diabetics will also have high blood pressure, which causes many little problems without causing a heart attack. Many diabetics suffer from sexual problems, especially Erectile Dysfunction in men.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  6. Adam S.
    Member

    yes, if they are a type 1 diabetic and follow their insulin regimens, get their yearly eye exams, and follow a strict diet, they can live a great fulfilling life! Type 2's are the same but it is their bad habits which got them there in the first place.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  7. Pearl L
    Member

    i think if you take care of it you will avoid complications

    Posted 2 years ago #

  8. Angela
    Member

    I'm that type 1 that you're looking for. I was diagnosed January 21, 1990. I (currently) have no major complications.
    I check my blood sugar AT LEAST 4 times a day
    I stick to the diet that the dietitians have given me. EXACTLY.
    I wear an insulin pump. I have for the past 18 years.
    I wear a continuous glucose monitor for a few days each month. If I am not feeling well or have noticed a new pattern in my blood sugars I will also wear the CGM then.
    I aggressively treat any blood sugar over 140. I am familiar with my insulin sensitivity (also called correction factor) and make use of it any time my glucose is out of normal range.
    I do some sort of moderate physical activity at least 5 days a week.
    I take any and all medications that I am prescribed EXACTLY as they are prescribed.
    I have an appointment with my endocrinologist every 3 months. I keep those appointments. I have an excellent relationship with him and his staff so if anything out of the ordinary comes up between appointments I am comfortable contacting them to get guidance as far as what needs to be done.
    At each of my endocrinologist appointments my kidney function is monitored so that if there are any problems they can be identified as soon as possible.
    I have a monofiliment test every 6 months to check for neuropathy.
    I have a yearly eye exam with an opthalmologist during which my eyes are dilated to be checked for any signs of retinopathy.
    I have regular appointments with my primary care physician to carefully monitor any other health conditions that could occur and interfere with the control I have over my diabetes.
    Diabetics are more prone to have gingivitis. This can cause problems with blood sugars as well as increase risk of cardiac events. I have a cleaning done by a dental hygenist every 3-4 months.
    Since diabetics have an increased likelihood of stroke I monitor my blood pressure on a regular basis.

    That being said...I DO have some of the minor, more annoying problems. Dry, itchy skin is probably the most annoying one.

    It sounds like it's a big hassle. It is sometimes. But I've done it for so long that it's just a way of life for me. I figure the effort is totally worth it.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  9. tigger
    Member

    It's very possible. The diabetic does have to be careful about carbs and sugar, and to remember to use insulin when necessary. But a lot of diabetics- and I have two that I personally know in my family- one would never know had a condition.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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