Hello,
my girlfriend has had type 1 diabetes since she was three. Things have been serious for a while now and we are planning to get married however I don't know much about the condition. Can someone tell me what the average life expectancy is for someone with type one diabetes and what exactly are signs that things are going wrong (such as how to tell if she is having a high or a low for her blood sugar levels). Thank you:)

There is another thread about "dieing and diabetes" or something like that. Have a peak at that about life expectancy. The bottom line is that there is no "diabetic" life expectancy. If you take good care of yourself (and toss in a bit of luck) you can live just as long as anyone else.

As for her signs and symptoms of highs and lows, you will have to ask her about that. They are different for everyone. There are some "typical" signs but that doesn't mean she will have them. For example, the only real symptom (that others can see) when I am low, is that I get crabby.

Sorry I can't be more help.

Cora

Topher,
The average life span for diabetics who take care of themselves is really no different than for other people.

As for symptoms of highs and lows, each person is different, and even one person can have different symptoms at different times. I can't speak to the highs, as I don't get symptoms since I don't produce ketones (thank goodness), but symptoms of lows can be shakiness, sweating, spacing out, becoming combative, sudden and inappropriate giggling, etc. After a while, you'll probably learn to recognize the symptoms.

It's wonderful that you're looking to learn more about the illness. Do all the reading you can, not only about the symptoms of highs and lows, but about the overall management of the disease. Ask your girlfriend what she would most like you to know about it, and start there, but keep reading and learning. While it is up to us to manage our own illness, the loving support and understanding of family and friends is always much appreciated.

Ruth

Support makes a big difference! I am glad you are here wanting to learn about it.

I have had type 1 diabetes for a little over a year. Overally, it hasn't changed my life a whole lot. I test my blood sugar 10 times a day, and use a pump to bolus for what I eat. I count carbs so I know how much to bolus, and make sure I have insulin, back up syringes, and fast acting sugar on me. I see my endocrinologist every three months. Besides that, not much has changed.

About 10 years ago I read that diabetes lowers life expectancy by an average of 15 years. Keep in mind this includes people that don't take care of themselves, and I expect it has improved some in the last 10 years, with testing a lot becoming more common, ace inhibitors being used to preserve kidney function, and insulin pumps being put into use more commonly.

High blood sugar symptoms include frequent urination, thirst, and fatigue.

Low bs symptoms are confusion, dizziness, shakiness, agitation, fast heart rate, and sweating.

Whenever she feels these symptoms, she should test, but if she can't, treat it like it's low bs.