I plan to prove one can have a long life with diabetes
All I know is when I was diagnosed in February 1972 I was told, “There’ll be a cure in five years.” I know, you were told that too. And, “Your lifespan will be fifteen years shorter than average.”
Well, this week marks my 52nd ‘diaversary.’ The medal from Joslin, above, I received two years ago when I crossed the 50 year threshold. Due to Covid I didn’t get to go to Boston and attend any kind of ceremony. Still, it’s nice to look at.
As to the second prediction, recent studies show that people with type 1 diabetes, who take good care of themselves, tend to live longer than the average American. I’m assuming that average American is eating a relatively poor diet of processed foods and not physically active.
In some ways the more years you live with type 1 the easier it gets. You know your patterns better, you get used to doing certain things like ordering medicine and supplies, and if you’re lucky, you have a few friends, or just one, with diabetes. At the same time, it gets harder. More tiresome, maybe some complications have come and there are a pile-up of endless, countless days you wonder, “How did that happen?!”
Still, at an age when I’ve already lost friends to other conditions, I’m grateful I’m still here.
