Long-term Type 1s (juvenile-onset) out there?

Diseases & Conditions Diabetes
1
I'm wondering if there are other long-term Type 1s with juvenile-onset DM out there?  I'm one and could use a buddy list of other long-term Type 1s.  I've done well managing this for over 40 years (am now 48) but I'm really feeling like I need to gather a second wind for face the next "phase" of my life.  My first complication showed up a few months ago and I wish there was a support group for us in my area, but my endo said the population of this type of diabetic isn't as large as other types.  He said it's bad news that it won't stay that way -- (increasing number of J-O children) but that doesn't help us older-timers.  I signed up to help a support group for children, but I digress....
 
Any other over-40 juvenile-onset Type 1s who have been dealing with this for most of their lives?   
 
 
2
I'm 26 and have been juvenile type one for 25 years now. I know I'm a little younger than what you're looking for, but I have lived my whole life with diabetes and am in excellent health! Robyn
3
I've been a Type 1 diabetic for 34 years.  I was 17 in my senior year of high school when diagnosed.  Immediately put on insulin shots.  I am now 51.  I have gone from 1 shot a day to 4 shots a day to an insulin pump.  I have literally almost died at least 3 times from high blood sugars, slipping into a semi-comatose state and in the hospital.  Usually this happened when coming down with a stomach flu or virus and blood sugars went beserk!  Have always been a very brittle diabetic - either very low or very high.  Mostly on the high side...I'm talking working every day with over 300 blood sugars and sometimes over 500.  Now that I'm on the pump things have improved a great deal.  I'm still higher with sugars than I should be.  High 100s and low 200s usually.  Still don't take care of myself the way I should.  My problem is that I love food.  Always battling the extra 10 lbs or so.  But I feel good and am healthy according to my doctor except for still trying to get those sugars down.  Anyway, wanted to say hi when I found this website.
4
Hi Marina,

What do you think of the pump? I'm your age 48 (type 1 for 40 years) and take Lantus and Novolog. I can relate to several of things you mentioned in your thread. I'm very good about testing frequently, but I should exercise on a more regular schedule and probably take more Novolog than I do. My endo sets my A1c goal higher than most people here would relate to because of a history of hypoglycemic unawareness and some bad episodes with insulin shock. Still, I know I could get it down if I would take more Novolog throughout the day. I just hate the lows -- and severe insulin reactions aren't fair to my family. Thanks to Lantus I haven't had one in over a year. You mentioned that things have improved for you with the pump and I can't wait to hear what you think about it.
5

Hi,

I'm 26 and have been diagnosed for almost 15 years now.  No complications yet, I hope never!  I'm on 4+ shots a day, but am very much interested in how the insulin pumped is viewed by people who use it.

Claire x

6
Sunday,
Just read your post about looking for those over 40 with diabetes.
I was diagnosed at age 13, and have now had diabetes for over 42 years.
Started out in the dark ages of testing urine for glucose and boiling syringes & needles for injections.
about 14 years ago I switched to one of the 1st pumps offered. I wouldn't be without one now.
Would love to chat with you about the trials and tribulations I've faced to date and the concern about what may lay ahead.
Please contact me through this forum and give me your email address.
Wendy
7
Wendy,
Would love to share via e-mail.

Sunday

Email address is whitleydim at aol dot com

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I adjusted your email addy so the spambots couldn't read it. Hope you don't mind.

Post Edited By Moderator (Jeannie143) : 6/28/2006 9:34:56 PM (GMT-6)

8

Hi. I joined the merry gang of Type 1's aged 18, a staggering 25 years ago. Like Wendy Cat, I have less than fond memories of urinalysis tablets, test tubes and all the rest. Compared to when I started out, we've really never had it so good. I now use Humalog and Lantus and test myself 4-5 times a day.

I've restricted the carbs as much as I can and kept fit at the same time. No complications so far, A1c of 4.5, body mass index 22 and my first marathon completed just over 2 weeks ago so I've probably never been fitter!

I sympathise with Sunday. Tight control has given me almost total hypoglycemia unawareness which puts huge stress on my wife and children and left me lots of stories too embarassing to share. I really wish I could improve things on that front. Does anyone have any helpful advice? I wonder whether running higher blood sugars for a while will make me more sensitive to impending hypoglycemia.

Stay positive

fergusc