Type 1 Diabetes.. Continued Glucose Monitoring And Long Term Risk

[Raidergal2022]

If someone has had type 1 diabetes since their teenage years but they have kept it very well controlled with continuous glucose monitoring devices etc, are they at any higher risk of long term complications (CVD) etc than the general population?

Was providing some reassurance to my young cousin last week who was fed up with his diabetes but he keeps his numbers in good check and at appointments gets told he is doing well.

It made me wonder with technology/continued glucose monitoring can’t diabetics now be almost as healthy as non diabetics

[barry1010]

If he is looking after himself, keeping to a healthy weight and a good diet, maintaining a good sleep pattern and exercising within reasonable limits he is minimising the risk of long term complications.

He needs to be aware of alcohol, too, he can drink but it should be in moderation.

My brother is type 1 diabetic, in his 70s so didn't have the benefit of continuous glucose monitoring and is relatively healthy.

[Raidergal2022]

Yes he does watch his lifestyle hopefully he will continue this as he gets older too

I would have thought with this new technology CGM numbers would be in range most of the time and so complications would be almost eliminated for the future generations but I am no expert

[barry1010]

We can hope :)

[Sqad]

Once a Type 2 diabetic........always a diabetic and at risk of the complications...eye disease, kidney disease, CVD etc.

If you control your blood sugar levels to those suggested by your Consultant, you will live perhaps as long as the general healthy population, if not you will fall short, maybe decades short.

[Sqad]

Sorry....I mistyped.......my post is relating to Type1 NOT Type 2 diabetes.

[Raidergal2022]

Yes and surely through CGM where you are getting your glucose levels live on your mobile you will expect to see a massive reduction in complications with future generations.

[Sqad]

Not necessarily so.

Your blood sugars depend upon you day to day activity and your monitor only reflects these activities.

Have I missed your point?

[Raidergal2022]

You haven’t missed my point but keeping it simple I was thinking more from the perspective of the more frequent the readings are through the day (ie with CGM as opposed to finger prick), the earlier you can intervene and so less time is spent out of range.

[Barsel]

Raidergal2022, Sorry to hear your young cousin has type 1 diabetes but you are providing him with reassurance.
My eldest daughter was diagnosed with this when she was 7 yrs old, and while she was in my care, I looked after her as well as I could. As she got older, she seemed to rebel against it and wouldn't tell anyone who really needed to know and when she went off to Uni, well, what can I say, she just didn't take care of herself the way she should have. Since then she has had problems with her eyes, kidneys and especially when she was expecting her son which is something your cousin won't experience. Her consultant advised no more children.
I don't think anyone knows how their diabetes will affect them although looking after yourself properly is very important.

[Vagus]

My son was diagnosed type 1 when in primary school.
Just like barsel we did our best, he rebelled against it in his teens, refused to test, drank lots of alcohol, etc, etc.
He went off to uni and changed completely. I don’t know what he got up to (and really don’t want to know)but from being secretive about it, he almost embraced it and would inject anywhere and everywhere.
He now has continuous glucose monitoring, takes great care of himself and so far, fingers crossed, has no symptoms of diabetic retinopathy or kidney problems.
The CGM has made it much easier for him to adjust his insulin to take into account what he eats and drinks. He adjusts his insulin rather than food or drink and seems to eat and drink pretty much what he wants to.
Every one is different and diabetes is very personal.