Hi,

My boyfriend has had type I diabetes for 12 years and has been on the insulin pump for 4 years. He is in good general health with no vision problems, etc. This is all good news, however, I am concerned about the future. I've never known any Juvenille Diabetics and I'm afraid that complications will occur regardless of how well he takes care of himself. Is anyone out there a Type I on the pump? Could you share a little bit about your life? any complications such as neuropathy, vision, etc? Any information would be helpful..

Thanks,
Melissa

If his diabetes is in good control (and has been for most of his diabetic life) than he should be perfectly fine, and you should not worry. If he does get complications for no reason it would probably happen much later in life (atleast past 50).

Melissa--When my wife and I got to the point when we were pretty serious, I was only 21, and had been diabetic for only 9 years. Her mother told her not to marry me, because I'd get sick and die young. I took my future bride with me to my doctor, and had them talk about my future--basically, if I took good care of myself, I'd stand a decent chance of living a full, normal and healthy life. That was in 1973, 30 years ago. I took good care of myself and have lived a charmed and blessed life. I've been a school teacher for 28 years, have a 20 year old daughter in college and a 13 year old at home, and plan on retiring in 9 more years and living out my old age in the company of my high school sweetheart. My mother-in-law, who said I'd get sick and die young, developed ovarian cancer at 50 and died young. For the first 25 years I had diabetes, there were no pumps, no blood glucose monitors, no A1c tests, none of the treatment options we enjoy today. I've lasted for 38 years, and plan on going that much longer again before I pack it in. It's never been a picnic or a walk in the park--it's been filled with uncertainties, challanges, difficulties and troubles. It's also been filled with joys and rewards and fulfillment. On the balance, my 4 decades with diabetes have been a success thru a combination of dumb luck, bullheaded stubborness, meticulous (my doctor say fastidious) control, and a supportive family.

Good luck with him--you'll both need it...
Michael

Michael,

Thanks so much for the reply. It is nice to finally hear about someone who has lived a good life. It seems that lately all I hear is the bad stuff.