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    • 14 hours ago
      Greg Felton likes your comment at
      If you have T1D, have you ever dated or married someone who also has T1D?
      I fell in love with an insulin-dependent Type 2 20 years ago. There’s something terribly romantic about taking Lantus together at the end of the day.
    • 14 hours, 31 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      One time I was explaining that a new pump would be too expensive at the time because my deductible had just started over.. and she asked if I had insurance and I said yes….. then she said “then it should be free with insurance.” 🤦‍♀️ She may know a little about the challenges of living with diabetes, but she knows nothing about how insurance works or how costly T1D supplies are.
    • 14 hours, 50 minutes ago
      Steve Rumble likes your comment at
      If you have T1D, have you ever dated or married someone who also has T1D?
      I fell in love with an insulin-dependent Type 2 20 years ago. There’s something terribly romantic about taking Lantus together at the end of the day.
    • 15 hours, 21 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      I am an RN. Been going to same doctor for about ten years. Took me six years to train him. I am very well read when it comes to my LADA. He trusts my judgement and gives me excellent parameters to make decisions. Recently had a bad case of Covid. Insulin needs changed dramatically. Getting back to normal but he made sure I had scripts to cover my ups and downs with insulin needs.
    • 15 hours, 21 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      Mine acknowledges the struggles and challenges that go along with managing T1D in my daily life. She gives suggestions as to what may or may not help and has often asked me I how I handle situations so she can give suggestions to other T1D patient's.
    • 15 hours, 22 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      None of my endocrinologists or NPs have had T1D but I always discuss my challenges and they are incredibly helpful. What I always find astonishing is they are constantly amazed at how well I’m doing even when i don’t think I’m doing that well because most of their patients have nowhere near the A1c’s I’m able to achieve. And just hovers in the 6’s!
    • 15 hours, 47 minutes ago
      Jubin Veera likes your comment at
      Have you developed lipohypertrophy due to repeated injections/infusions of insulin? Lipohypertrophy is a term to describe hardened lumps of body fat just under the skin that resulted from repeated insulin injections/infusion sites. If so, share how you’ve handled lipohypertrophy in the comments!
      The hard spots are fairly frequent with the pump infusion sets. Especially if I go past 3 days which I try to avoid! I don’t think I ever got one from injections. I try heat and massaging to treat them and they normally go away after a day or so. Once I had a large area that I had to treat with antibiotics.
    • 15 hours, 49 minutes ago
      Magnus Hiis likes your comment at
      Have you experienced any symptoms of physical sexual dysfunction as a result of having diabetes, or having diabetes-related complications?
      I’m 79. My last orgasm was springtime about 3 or 4 years ago. When I complained of ED, my PCP Rxd 3 to 5 (60-100 mg) sildenafil tablets by mouth about one hour prior to sexual activity. This alone hasn’t worked to bring me up to former sexual capacity that I had 10 years years ago. I’m still considering consulting finding a doctor who’ll prescribe a safe but effective way of administering testosterone or an anabolic steroid in a dose low enough to avoid causing cardiovascular problems but high enough to restore normal ability that I had up to my sixties. My present doctors say it can’t be done, but there are doctors who advertise otherwise. Analogs of the hormone insulin can be delivered in small safe doses, why not testosterone?
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      Becky Hertz likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      We are all so very different, and trying to say that all of us with T1 understand what it's like for another who has the same hill to climb is unproductive. Having a health care provider with T1 may often be helpful just because there's apt to be more knowledge about the specifics. How we respond to the disease is such a personal matter, that I really don't think there are any guaranteed benefits beyond the grasp of the factual. Finding a doc with the same general attitude about the disease does feel good, and sometimes that's all I hope for after working hard to make peace with the disease for 70 years. Asking my doc to "get it" used to be almost my mantra, but I've come to realize that the ones who don't just see us as unruly childrenchildren
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      Becky Hertz likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      Both my endocrinologist and my nurse practitioner are great. They compliment me on the way I take care of my life and health and make aure I get all the supplies I need managing all the paperwork Medicare and insurance requires. My nurse practitioner who works with me on managing the pump has her own opinion about the pump settings based on her technical knowledge which is different than what I do with my settings based on living with them. She has thru the years learned to respect what I do and is surprised with how my settings work. So we are now at peace. Both very supportive.
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      pru barry likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      Yes. However, for those of you who assert, "It takes one to know one," the same might be said of age. Geriatrics is a marvelous array of marvels.
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      mojoseje likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      I said yes but that refers to my nurse practitioner who sees me every other visit, if not more often. The doctor may know how hard I try but perhaps takes my efforts for granted.
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      Anneyun likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      How can someone without the disease really understand what it is to live with it? I have never had a doctor with T1D in 60 years.
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      Yes. However, for those of you who assert, "It takes one to know one," the same might be said of age. Geriatrics is a marvelous array of marvels.
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      Kristine Warmecke likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      My endo is young, very empathetic, thorough, always asks for my input, and does research. I am blessed too. have him, and the one before for over 25 yrs.
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      Kristine Warmecke likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      Yes. However, for those of you who assert, "It takes one to know one," the same might be said of age. Geriatrics is a marvelous array of marvels.
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      None of my endocrinologists or NPs have had T1D but I always discuss my challenges and they are incredibly helpful. What I always find astonishing is they are constantly amazed at how well I’m doing even when i don’t think I’m doing that well because most of their patients have nowhere near the A1c’s I’m able to achieve. And just hovers in the 6’s!
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      Daniel Bestvater likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      My provider does not have T1. Only someone with it can truly understand the various daily challenges and worth it takes to manage this.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      My provider does not have T1. Only someone with it can truly understand the various daily challenges and worth it takes to manage this.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      I have no clue what my T1D health care provider understands about my daily challenges and I don’t know about his daily challenges either. Not sure why I should care as long as I have access to information how to best take care of myself.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Jeff Marvel likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      My provider does not have T1. Only someone with it can truly understand the various daily challenges and worth it takes to manage this.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Richard Wiener likes your comment at
      Do you feel that your T1D healthcare provider understands the daily challenges and work that goes into living with T1D?
      My provider does not have T1. Only someone with it can truly understand the various daily challenges and worth it takes to manage this.
    • 2 days, 6 hours ago
      sweetcharlie likes your comment at
      Have you developed lipohypertrophy due to repeated injections/infusions of insulin? Lipohypertrophy is a term to describe hardened lumps of body fat just under the skin that resulted from repeated insulin injections/infusion sites. If so, share how you’ve handled lipohypertrophy in the comments!
      Hi Connie, I still have my glass syringe and show it off occasionally. We boiled the needle and syringe every morning and sharpened the needle with a file. I was diagnosed at age 6 in 1963. Life is so different now! Then, my diet was extremely limited as was my exercise. Now, I am very active and eat pretty much as I please. I maintain an A1C in the low 6s (6.2 was my last).
    • 2 days, 6 hours ago
      sweetcharlie likes your comment at
      Have you developed lipohypertrophy due to repeated injections/infusions of insulin? Lipohypertrophy is a term to describe hardened lumps of body fat just under the skin that resulted from repeated insulin injections/infusion sites. If so, share how you’ve handled lipohypertrophy in the comments!
      Connie and Beth, I was diagnosed in Nov 1962, age 10. During the early years I developed lumps and indentations on my upper thighs from my injections. In fact, I was able t o spot other t1 kids in my junior high school based upon the lumps in their upper arms.. (I eventually met up with them and learned that I was correct.) By the time I reached my twenties, these indentations had more or less disappeared, but I still have remnants of the lumps. I wish I could say that the layers of tissue now deposited on my legs disguises them, but they don't. I think the changes in insulin have been responsible for this improvement: the isolation and purification of animal insulins were refined, and then the various human clones were game changers in many ways.
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      sweetcharlie likes your comment at
      Have you developed lipohypertrophy due to repeated injections/infusions of insulin? Lipohypertrophy is a term to describe hardened lumps of body fat just under the skin that resulted from repeated insulin injections/infusion sites. If so, share how you’ve handled lipohypertrophy in the comments!
      Yes in my upper arms when I was a petite and skinny child in the 1960s with T1D. In those days we used glass syringes with stainless steel 1/2 inch long heavy gauge needles. My mother would jab me in the upper arms, it hurt like the dickens, and I developed several hard nodules. I was diagnosed at age 8 in December 1962 and after the initial two months of her jabbing me in the upper arms, I took over giving my own "shots" and started self injecting via site rotation in my thighs for several years. Eventually the lipohypertrophy in my upper arms resolved and I never injected there again until many years later as an adult on MDI using disposable syringes with very short and fine gauge needle tips. Periodically I would give my tired pin cushion thighs a rest and take a break for a few months or a couple of years and rotate injections in my abdomen or upper arms. Have been using a pump for over 20 years now and rarely use MDI unless I am taking a pump break for a short period of time. Happily, I no longer have lumpy sites.
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    Do you have any diabetes-related complications? Please share more about your experiences in the comments.

    Home > LC Polls > Do you have any diabetes-related complications? Please share more about your experiences in the comments.
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    Does the availability of drugs that can delay the full onset of T1D positively change your views on screening for T1D autoantibodies? (Autoantibodies can provide risk information about T1D and may be detected in the blood months to years before clinical signs.)

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard (nee Tackett) has dedicated her career to supporting the T1D community ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange. Sarah and her husband live in NYC with their cat Gracie. In her spare time, she enjoys doing comedy, taking dance classes, visiting art museums, and exploring different neighborhoods in NYC.

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    104 Comments

    1. Molly Jones

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Jneticdiabetic

        @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.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    2. Linda Pease

      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

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    3. John McHenery

      Cataracts

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    4. Jeff Perzan

      Diagnosed in 1965. Background retinopathy since early 1980’s (not progressed at all). Very minor neuropathy – detected through some hair loss on lower legs.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    5. Marsha Miller

      I have had two trigger finger surgeries, which my Dr. said is common with diabetes. I take med for cholesterol.
      T1D for 35 years

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    6. Cristina Sanchez

      Frozen shoulder

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. ELYSSE HELLER

        Yup; both of my shoulders have been frozen for many years.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    7. Lynn Smith

      Periphery neuropathy in my feet.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    8. Jim Andrews

      I feel incredibly fortunate to have no complications after 56 years with T1D.

      3
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    9. Jneticdiabetic

      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.

      2
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    10. Jen Serrano

      Frozen shoulder that necessitated surgery to unfreeze

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    11. mojoseje

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    12. Rosemary McLaughlin

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Kris McDonald

        Yes. Me too. I had frozen shoulder on each side (at different times) and 2 trigger finger operations.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    13. thone

      Curious if depression/anxiety are considered diabetes “complications” by the medical field? Does it make any difference to treatment if they are/are not?

      5
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    14. beth nelson

      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?

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    15. Barbara Bubar

      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.

      10
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Kristine Warmecke

        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).

        1
        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    16. Richard Vaughn

      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.

      2
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Debra Nance

        Hey, “old timer”!! 71 years. Wow. Congratulations on longevity!

        2
        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    17. James Hoare

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    18. Marty

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    19. Mig Vascos

      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.

      4
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. cynthia jaworski

        wow.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    20. gary rind

      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. 🙂

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    21. George Lovelace

      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%+

      4
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Debra Nance

        Fantastic, George! Good to see your name on here!

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    22. Bob Bowen

      But after 51 years as type 1, only minor retinopathy.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    23. Ken Raiche

      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.

      2
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    24. Janice Bianchi-Lurati

      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.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    25. Kristine Warmecke

      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.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Kristine Warmecke

        I also have Charcot foot, diagnosed a few months ago.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    26. Debra Nance

      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

      3
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. cynthia jaworski

        I was given the same expiration date. I am now 70.

        1
        5 months ago Log in to Reply
      2. Joan Fray

        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…….)

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    27. Kathy Morison

      Peripheral neuropathy in feet and hands, atherosclerosis, 2 heart attacks, 3 stents inserted

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    28. Mary Ann Sayers

      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!

      2
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Keith LeMar

        Can definitely appreciate this. Had many, many myself in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    29. dave hedeen

      I hav retinopathy, yet very mild. Would you classify all cardiac issues “diabetes” related?

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. AnitaS

        I know. It is sometimes impossible to say if something would have happened anyways or if diabetes caused it.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    30. Valentina Potempa

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    31. Lawrence S.

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Lawrence S.

        Forgot hypothyroid.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
      2. Modee

        Don’t worry, everything is related to diabetes!!

        3
        5 months ago Log in to Reply
      3. Lawrence S.

        I always forget to mention my pemphigoid also.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    32. Amanda Barras

      Hypothyroidism

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    33. Modee

      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.

      2
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    34. Natalie Daley

      Hashimoto’s Syndrome

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Henry Renn

        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.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    35. Henry Renn

      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.

      4
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    36. Katrina Mundinger

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    37. Scott Doerner

      One is typical, hypothyroidism, but then ones that aren’t. Gastroparesis, and epilepsy.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Molly Jones

        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.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    38. Karen DeVeaux

      Retinopathy but it’s treatable.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    39. Maureen Helinski

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    40. Sue Martin

      I’ve had, vitrectomies, kidney disease, and a kidney transplant.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    41. Keira Thurheimer

      I have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, gastroparesis, and kidney disease.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    42. Pauline M Reynolds

      I have diabetic proliferative retinopathy and mild gastroparesis. My Coronary Artery Disease is inherited from my mother.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    43. GiGi

      After 50 years of T1D I have mild retinopathy and gastroparesis.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    44. Jane Cerullo

      Duputrens contractures both hands. 4 surgeries then last was xiaflex injection which has lasted the longest.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Jane Cerullo

        Forgot bilateral frozen shoulder. And hyperthyroidism and TED

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    45. Lisa Anderson

      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!

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Karen Taylor

        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.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
      2. Lisa Anderson

        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.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    46. Henry Renn

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    47. Janis Senungetuk

      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

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Karen Taylor

        Janis, I could almost copy and paste your comments. I’ve been diabetic for 62 years with very much the same type of issues.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
      2. Janis Senungetuk

        Karen, we just do the best we can everyday…and keep on trucking!

        2
        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    48. Keith LeMar

      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.

      2
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    49. stillarobyn

      Not explicitly diabetes related, but within 3 years of my diagnosis, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had the offending organ removed.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    50. Bob Durstenfeld

      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.

      2
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Liz Avery

        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.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    51. Karen Taylor

      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!

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Angela Pennacchia

        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.

        1
        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    52. Lori COLLINS

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    53. Jen Farley

      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

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    54. Wanacure

      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.

      2
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    55. Janice Bohn

      High blood pressure

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    56. ConnieT1D62

      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.

      4
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    57. Chris Albright

      Only complication that I have is diabetic retinopathy (mild at this point but still requires treatments about 4 times a year.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    58. Beckett Nelson

      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 🤷🏻‍♂️

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    59. Becky Hertz

      Retinopathy both eyes with multiple laser surgeries, dkd/ckd (only 1 kidney not D related), htn, high cholesterol.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Becky Hertz

        Also, multi joint issues, adhesive capsules, etc.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    60. Janelle Stallkamp

      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.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    61. Kathleen Juzenas

      Hypertension, hypothyroidism, CAD, neuropathy, trigger fingers, Dupuytren’s, frozen shoulder. RA as well if that counts.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    62. Joan McGinnis

      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

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Joan McGinnis

        also trigger

        fingers

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    63. Robert Wilson

      Low blood glucose unawareness and calcification of my tertiary arteries.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    64. Jeff Balbirnie

      Unclear…. Went to several doctors recently and they radically contradicted themselves on multiple diagnoses. So I cannot say with any certainty

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    65. vbaum1956

      Retinopathy but have had it fixed and am doing well. Small amount of neuropathy/carpal tunnel in hands.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    66. LizB

      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.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. AnitaS

        Never even thought about that as a complication.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    67. Bea Anderson

      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.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    68. AnitaS

      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.

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. AnitaS

        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.

        5 months ago Log in to Reply
    69. M C

      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.

      1
      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    70. KarenM6

      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!

      5 months ago Log in to Reply
    71. Hannah B.

      Tingling in both legs.

      4 months ago Log in to Reply
    72. T1D4LongTime

      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.

      1
      4 months ago Log in to Reply
    73. Melissa Childers

      Mild non-proliferative retinopathy, diagnosed at 10 years post T1D diagnosis, has not progressed and may be improving as I improve my A1c/TIR.

      1
      4 months ago Log in to Reply
    74. Nicholas Argento

      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.

      4 months ago Log in to Reply
    75. Randy Molen

      Diabetic retinopathy in both eyes and a macular pucker in my left eye.

      4 months ago Log in to Reply
    76. Rose Lentzke

      Retinopathy

      4 months ago Log in to Reply

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