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Do you have any diabetes-related complications? Please share more about your experiences in the comments.
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I am uncertain if it is due to diabetes, but doctors have diagnosed me with gastroparesis due to diabetes, even though I have had constipation and regurgitation since very early childhood and was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 31. (I learned to chew my food very well to control the regurgitation!)
I asked to be checked out by a gastroenterologist after more than a decade of diabetes as it was difficult to understand /control my BG no matter what and received the dx.
The only other complications I have are a past frozen shoulder and mild non-proliferative retinopathy in one eye.
I am doing well with diabetes. I prefer this condition to my others!! The cause is understood and can be controlled.
@Molly Jones, no need to respond, but did your doctors ever screen you for Celiac disease? I ask only because you mention regurgitation and constipation from an early age, and these were my son with Celiac’s primary symptoms. He was diagnosed only after endoscopy.
Eyes and limbs but being one who control is hard I am thankful that is all the complications I have. One thing I have going for me is I am very healthy for a tld my age and length since finding out
Cataracts
Diagnosed in 1965. Background retinopathy since early 1980’s (not progressed at all). Very minor neuropathy – detected through some hair loss on lower legs.
I have had two trigger finger surgeries, which my Dr. said is common with diabetes. I take med for cholesterol.
T1D for 35 years
Frozen shoulder
Yup; both of my shoulders have been frozen for many years.
Periphery neuropathy in my feet.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have no complications after 56 years with T1D.
T1D for 27 years. Just frozen shoulder, which I didn’t realize was considered a diabetes complication until seeing a another question posted on this site.
Frozen shoulder that necessitated surgery to unfreeze
Retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, frozen shoulder, trigger finger all due to uncontrolled diabetes because of lack of insurance for the first 40 years of my diabetes.
I answered, No. But now that you mention it, I have recovered from two frozen shoulders. I wouldn’t have consider frozen shoulder a T1D complications even though T1D increases incidence and because it can be reversible. But that’s a good point.
Yes. Me too. I had frozen shoulder on each side (at different times) and 2 trigger finger operations.
Curious if depression/anxiety are considered diabetes “complications” by the medical field? Does it make any difference to treatment if they are/are not?
I’m about as healthy as most women at my age, probably healthier than many, and I attribute that to my diabetes, since I’ve had to monitor my health at all times. However, when I reached 42 years of T1D, I had laser surgery in both eyes for retinopathy which stopped all further damage. My vision is very good! Plus, frozen shoulder and trigger fingers have been issues. My fascia is very still. Do others have problems with fascia?
I’m almost scared to open my mouth about the fact that after 72 -1/2 years I am still….FINE at 77. I always thought I would be dead by 30 but that came and went and then it was thinking that I wanted to see my daughter graduate from high school, then college.. By then with much better diabetes equipment to see what was happening, just incredible to look back and wonder how. No, I don’t think the fear of complications ever goes away and there are changes with just plain aging that really make me wonder what’s going to happen. How did I get to be this old, and this healthy, after so many years with diabetes? Genetics, luck….no magic answers. My wish would be for everyone to have the same experience.
My brother was always told that he would be lucky to see his 30th Birthday. He turn’s 51 this year with 51 years of T1D. (7 months old when he diagnosed).
After 77 years of Type 1, I have neuropathy in many parts of my body. Mostly on my feet and legs, but also in my arms.. I have a neuropathic bladder which requires me to use a catheter to urinate. My eyes, heart and kidneys are in good shape.
Hey, “old timer”!! 71 years. Wow. Congratulations on longevity!
62 years in. Heart disease, diabetic retinopothy *( lost sight in one eye), poor circulation in legs and feet, neuropothy in hands and feet and more. The usual suspects.
A bit of neuropathy in my feet, frozen shoulder in the past, and trigger finger that’s bothering me now. I’m very thankful to have full eyesight and kidney function 30 years after my diagnosis.
A few tiny dots in my eyes that the Ophtalmologist refuses to call retinopathy because they are so insignificant.
I had a frozen shoulder years ago but by continuing exercising it got well. I probably have slow digestions…. But who is to say these few problems are from diabetes and not from aging. After all I’m 83 years of age.
I been for 50 years on insulin, plus the years I spent being treated a T2D.
I rarely get colds, headaches or any other of the common ailments.
Last years I got a coach to learn to play Pickleball and that exercise has done wonders for me. I now exercise more than ever before and I thank the good Lord that gave me the will to fight this condition.
I feel great. It’s doable. I dislike when people with this condition are portrayed as people that necessarily have to have more health problems. With all the advances in technology these days and dedication people with diabetes don’t necessarily have to be impaired by all kind of maladies.
wow.
Neuropathy in my feet. Take ALA twice a day and the pain is GONE! Starting year 20 of T1D, I know that makes me on the light side around here. 🙂
59 Years on Mar 20, proliferative retinopathy of right eye and macular edema, Cataract Surgery and Vitrectomy fixed that to 20/20, 20/25 rt. Dex G6 and Tandem CIQ is my CURE, A1c 5.4 No Extreme Lows and 0.3 % Lows. TIR 91%+
Fantastic, George! Good to see your name on here!
But after 51 years as type 1, only minor retinopathy.
I’ve indicated no due to the fact that some of my ailments could just be due to genetics or not. I know lots of people with similar conditions as me who are not diabetic. These conditions which have crept up on my over the past year or so are arthritis, narrow angled glaucoma. I’ve been dealing with T1D for 50 years and touch wood the only issues are noted above which my mother suffered from as well and she never had diabetes which is why I answered No.
Diabetic retinopathy causing blindness in left eye. Right eye is good. Neuropathy affecting balance the last two years. I have had Type 1 for 62 years so complications not too bad.
I have neuropathy bilateral in my hands & feet, to the point I have no feeling at all. It was worse during chemo (from toes to hips and fingers to shoulders) until oncologist stoped my Taxatere, I slowly regained my feeling in arms & legs. Surgery on both thumbs for trigger finger and the very beginning of diabetic eye disease in my left eye (good eye) I’m legally blind in my right eye now due to my extreme myopia.
I also have Charcot foot, diagnosed a few months ago.
I have retinopathy, ckd, and some neuropathy. Of course after 60 years as a type1 these things are to be expected. We didn’t have all the tools we have now back in 1963 when I was diagnosed. Drs said I could live to be 40 if I took care of myself. 28 years later I am still here!!! By the Grace of GOD.
Debbie Nance
DX March 1963
I was given the same expiration date. I am now 70.
Me too. April 22 1962. 73 now and nothing worth mentioning. Had gastroparesis 1990-1993. Cleaned up my act quite a bit and it went away. Doctors said ame to me. Forty years. Nyah nyah nyah! 60 years T1d and still going strong. ( most of the time…….)
Peripheral neuropathy in feet and hands, atherosclerosis, 2 heart attacks, 3 stents inserted
You’ve heard of police rap sheets, well I had volumes of hospital records in Springfield hospitals ERs!!! When I no longer recognized insulin reactions my trips to the ER started. That was in the 1970s after some 25 years of T1D.
Haven’t had a diabetes-related ER visit for decades. I love my pump and CGM!!! They keep me out of trouble and the ER!
Can definitely appreciate this. Had many, many myself in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
I hav retinopathy, yet very mild. Would you classify all cardiac issues “diabetes” related?
I know. It is sometimes impossible to say if something would have happened anyways or if diabetes caused it.
I was diagnosed with macular edema. This condition improved significantly as I tightly controlled my blood sugar. Also, I have high calcium buildup in my coronary arteries.
I answered “other” because I wasn’t sure if my complications were diabetes-related. However, after reading our comments, I should have answered “yes.” Frozen shoulders (two surgeries and still frozen). Retinopathy, with laser surgery for tearing of retina. Gastroparesis. Neuropathy in feel, on and off. Plenty of other maladies, but not sure if they are diabetes related.
Forgot hypothyroid.
Don’t worry, everything is related to diabetes!!
I always forget to mention my pemphigoid also.
Hypothyroidism
I was diagnosed in 1970 at age 12. In last 20 years frozen shoulder 3 times(fine now), 8 trigger fingers with 3 surgeries, dupetryn’s contracture 2 fingers,, retinopathy, neuropathy, depression since 20’s, hair thinning and loss. Didn’t realize the number but at 65 I know these complications are the result of my management where I often pushed the limit seeking the “normal” life the doctor promised me in 1970. It’s been a fun active life having 2 children and now 2 grandchildren. None of them have ever shown signs! I probably could have done better but I wouldn’t have all life’s fun memories. After all they are the only thing we carry with us.
Hashimoto’s Syndrome
Natalie, I forgot to mention that I have an autoimmune disorder that is unnamed. Family doctor insinuated my sx were psychological & I was de.moralized bc I knew. that I couldn’t imagine low grade fevers. My sanity was saved by comprehensive disease specialist who dx unknown autoimmune disorder. Powerfully bad. I also have vitiligo which is another autoimmune. My Rheumatologist/immunologist has me on Plaquenel which has gotte.n rid of low grade felvers. She had successfully treated, suppressed sx, of several lupus patients with Plaquenel. She also has tested me for a myriad of other autoimmune diseases. I recently read article by T1 who referred to growing # of people with autoimmune conditions as a great unseen forest.
Wishing you the best.
Now 71 w/ 66.5 yrs T1. After yr 40 of T1, at age 45, I experienced minor things. After I passed 55 yrs I had enough retinopathy & laser treatments that no more can be done. I still have good vision. I suffer with arthropathy which has limited mobility a little bit but has not incapacitated me. I have stage 2 renal disease but am stable. Nephrologist does not think that I will progress further. I told him not to say that. Knock on wood.. Fingers crossed. After over 60 years of T1 at age 71 , I cannot complain. Some health problems run in my family & afterall I am 71. My last A1c as of Monday was 6.3. Best ever. I have been in 6 ‘s for several years. The Doctors at Penn State Hershey & my Endo C-PA say for my age & length of T1 my A1c is good. I intend to get it below 6. They may be satisfied but I am not.
I was diagnosed with cataracts shortly after I was diagnosed with T1D. At 22. Now I’m 54, and have had a few other things crop up. Frozen shoulder over the last 3 years, carpal tunnel (not just due to the T1D but also due to being a clarinetist), and Dupuytren’s in one finger/hand.
One is typical, hypothyroidism, but then ones that aren’t. Gastroparesis, and epilepsy.
We have similar situations.
If you were not aware: People with T1D are at much higher risk to have epilepsy than the general population. Pubmed.gov is a good place to see the current hypotheses.
It is now attributed to the anti-GAD antibodies that both kill off cells in the pancreas and interfere with the creation of GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Retinopathy but it’s treatable.
I got retinopathy in one eye about 30 years after getting diabetes. It was helped greatly with several injections of avastin. It hardly bothers me now.
I’ve had, vitrectomies, kidney disease, and a kidney transplant.
I have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, gastroparesis, and kidney disease.
I have diabetic proliferative retinopathy and mild gastroparesis. My Coronary Artery Disease is inherited from my mother.
After 50 years of T1D I have mild retinopathy and gastroparesis.
Duputrens contractures both hands. 4 surgeries then last was xiaflex injection which has lasted the longest.
Forgot bilateral frozen shoulder. And hyperthyroidism and TED
I have a history of PDR and gastroparesis. Interestingly enough, I had an episode a year ago that my drs thought was a stroke. It wasn’t. They attributed eye problems, balance and spatial issues and neck/ shoulder pain to diabetic complications. I disagreed and sought a neurological assessment at Mayo because my quality of life was horrible. Mayo assigned a new diagnosis which they treated. The symptoms I had been suffering from were gone in 24 hours. I have been symptom free for one month. Never give up and listen to your gut!
Lisa, may I ask what they diagnosed it as? I have had balance, vertigo, dizziness for about 7 years now. I’d love to find someone that may be able to help me. Thanks.
Hi Karen,
Mayo determined I had a spontaneous CFS (cerebral spinal fluid) leak in my spine. I received two exogenous blood patches on 12/19 which stopped all my symptoms.
Dave, Hard for me to say mine is diabetic complication bc of all the heart disease in previous generations of my family. It certainly adds negative dimension to every disease we get with (for me) aging. I believe statistics show that more diabetics will die from cardiac disease than peers in general population.
67 yrs w T1D, diabetic proliferative retinopathy/left eye legally blind, cataracts, CKD, stage 3a, carpal tunnel right/ left hands, frozen shoulder both shoulders, hypothyroidism, hypertension, high cholesterol
Janis, I could almost copy and paste your comments. I’ve been diabetic for 62 years with very much the same type of issues.
Karen, we just do the best we can everyday…and keep on trucking!
2 complications for me: 1) CAD and stent (8/25/2021) due to having T1D since 12/28/66; confirmed by cardiologist and endocrinologist. 2) severe cognitive impairment due to having severe, recurrent hypoglycemic instances that happened before the introduction of home glucose monitors in the early 1980’s. This was confirmed by a neuropsychologist at a large neurology clinic in Memphis. Had many, many hypoglycemic instances where I had passed out and/or had seizures. This is one complication that I wish got more publicity but I guess there aren’t too many T1D’s living in the mid- to late-60’s and beyond who had these occurrences. Fortunately with pumps, CGM’s and glucose monitors this doesn’t happen too often these days.
Not explicitly diabetes related, but within 3 years of my diagnosis, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had the offending organ removed.
After 65 years with T1D I have autonomic neuropathy, some peripheral neuropathy, coronary issues and diabetic retinopathy.
But life goes on. And technology makes it easier. I presume that perhaps my son and granddaughter who also have T1D will not suffer similar issues because of improved medications, technology and control.
I have similar complications including gastroparesis. I am currently dealing with an ulcer on a toe that CAD is aggravating. Angioplasty next week. 56 yr TID.
62 years T1D with diabetic proliferative retinopathy – 1977 had tons of laser surgery for it and saved my eyesight. Had a “fluid leak” according to an eye specialist in Maryland and said it was not from my T1D – but have no central vision in my left eye – legally blind, cataracts, CKD stage 3 that has since been corrected by me stopping the Ibuprofen I was taking, carpal tunnel, frozen shoulders, (surgery on the right), Graves’ disease, hypertension, trigger fingers and Dupuytren’s contractures
All in All I feel I’m doing great.
Kudos to all of you that have little to no complications!
Boy Karen, you sound like me! 59 years w/type 1. Have had 7 trigger fingers, 2 carpal tunnels, frozen shoulder, thyroid, gastroparesis, slight neuropathy in my legs, and a vitrectomy. All these surgeries were done more than 10 years ago. The only thing that bothers me right now is the gastroparesis and the slight neuropathy in the legs but only if I don’t take my neurontin.
T1D for 44 years and blessed to still be complication-free. Have used an insulin pump for 29 years and adopted CGM as soon as it became available. While not a cure, technology makes good control possible.
Not sure what the question is asking. I have bad eyesight and bad teeth from dry mouth. (I was a bad teen diabetic) I have not had a limb removed or gone blind. I have RA which is common with T1D. Sorry just confused and not the first time. lol
I thought my trigger finger was caused by using index finger to operate welding tool and my carpal tunnel was caused by hand pressure on bike handle bars. But hcbI.nim.nih.gov shows high diabetes frequency. Both problems resolved quickly & easily long ago. I thought my frozen left shoulder was result of rotary cuff injury via bike accident. Quickly resolved thru acupuncture at the time. Easy & painless lens replacement surgery paid by Medicare resolved issue of cataracts. Pre blood glucose meter era, I had seizures usually in morning awakening with tongue or check bitten, confusion, furniture tipped over or food spilled, until awareness slowly returned. Yeah, after recovering I’d be depressed, self-blame. (Yet, insulin shock was once a therapy for emotionally disturbed folks! I call this Nazi medicine.) Anti-seizure pills solved this, and now I’ve got CGM. Some minor neuropathy in feet but I have foot inspections w/ toenail trims every 3 months. 100 reps of Kegel exercises minimize my incidents of urinary incontinence. Also do one-legged stands w/ hands over kitchen counter for better balance, but bike riding and roller skating are over. 🙁 Now if I could just score some anabolic steroid for ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION! 🙂 Sildenafil (Viagra) is not working! But my presents doctors refuse, citing risk of heart attack. I don’t want quantities bodybuilders use, just a tad bit.
High blood pressure
Yes. Living with T1D in my body for over 60 years has had an affect on my physical body. Starting with autoimmune beta cell destruction in my pancreas, and a lifetime of struggle to control rollercoaster blood glucose dysfunction, living with diabetes has affected my eyes, nerves, joints, bones, cardiovascular functions, skin, and kidneys. Body changes from living with T1D for 60 + years has resulted in stable retinopathy in both eyes; progressive, yet stable, peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic bone and joint changes in my hands, fingers, feet and toes; autonomic neuropathy causing hypoglycemia unawareness, cardiac autonomic slow heart rate; and progressive, yet stable, kidney damage. I don’t call them complications – I refer to them as co-morbid conditions. They are what they are and I have learned to accept them, and the challenges they present, by caring for myself to carry on living life to the fullest instead of being in denial, or feeling angry, or ashamed, or “poor me” sorry that I have them.
Only complication that I have is diabetic retinopathy (mild at this point but still requires treatments about 4 times a year.
Maybe? When I went for a scope for ulcers, there was still food in my belly from 12+hrs prior. The guy said it was gastroparesis, but I haven’t formally been worked up for it and talked with my doctor. I have had issues with throwing up stuff from long ago meals though 🤷🏻♂️
Retinopathy both eyes with multiple laser surgeries, dkd/ckd (only 1 kidney not D related), htn, high cholesterol.
Also, multi joint issues, adhesive capsules, etc.
I have heart disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, hypothyroidism, arthritis and a few other minor things. I’ve been a diabetic almost 50 years but feel pretty good overall.
Hypertension, hypothyroidism, CAD, neuropathy, trigger fingers, Dupuytren’s, frozen shoulder. RA as well if that counts.
i have neuropathy. no eye or kidney problems.
but I have very bad family history of heart disease and have had several procedures for that
also trigger
fingers
Low blood glucose unawareness and calcification of my tertiary arteries.
Unclear…. Went to several doctors recently and they radically contradicted themselves on multiple diagnoses. So I cannot say with any certainty
Retinopathy but have had it fixed and am doing well. Small amount of neuropathy/carpal tunnel in hands.
35 years and no complications so far. Some people count hypo unawareness as a complication but I don’t really consider that to be one.
Never even thought about that as a complication.
Unsure. I have other autoimmune issues but some were before T1 diagnosis and stand on their own. Noticed drier skin and dry mouth and dry eyes.
I have a slight case of tingling in my feet. So slight that most of the time I really have to think about it to feel it. The feeling has not gotten any worse in decades. Being 50 years diabetic, I feel very lucky to not have anything worse.
I should have read other comments first as I do have other things go wrong too. I have hypothyroidism, and have had frozen shoulder and trigger finger also. However, I had an extremely physical job and other co-workers got hand and shoulder problems too. So was the shoulder and finger problem diabetes-related? Could be. My trigger-finger got fixed with surgery. The frozen shoulder mended itself after about 2-3 years.
Eyes!
Have already had multiple laser treatments, leading, eventually to surgery for Diabetic Retinopathy in one eye only (so far).
Have had multiple eye injections over the past 7+ years for Diabetic Macular Edema.
Otherwise, I have not developed any other complications over the past 46 years of having T1D.
Retinopathy and cataracts. (glaucome likely just inherited)
trigger finger, carpal tunnel
hypoglycemia unawareness
lipoatrophy
low D3/calcium
PTSD
There might be more, but I think that’s the list!
Tingling in both legs.
Only 1 long term one… diabetic dermopathy, the translucent red scaly circular spots on my lower legs. Had them since as I approached puberty. Diagnosed at age 6. Recently developed hypothyroidism, but not sure it’s related to T1D. I’ve had extremely high stress levels the last 3 years. Caregiving a terminal family member has meant unpredictable schedules and Lee than perfect meals also.
Mild non-proliferative retinopathy, diagnosed at 10 years post T1D diagnosis, has not progressed and may be improving as I improve my A1c/TIR.
Background (mild non-proliferative) retinopathy, stable x decades. I had protein in urine in 1981 when I first started doing fingersticks and had horrible control at baseline, but not for decades w A1c below 7 and good blood pressure control, <120/70 usually on an ARB agent. (ARB's are kidney protective). Have had trigger fingers, frozen shoulder as well.
Diabetic retinopathy in both eyes and a macular pucker in my left eye.
Retinopathy