What to know about aging and living with T1D

As I look back over my 30-year journey living with type 1 diabetes (t1d), each decade has brought new decisions and challenges. When I was first diagnosed at age 23, I knew nothing about living with t1d. However, I soon learned how to live with diabetes — and a great deal about myself in the process.

Taking on my 20s

I was naive about the condition because it didn't run in my family and I didn't know anyone with it. Your 20s are about understanding who you are and, sometimes, living a little recklessly. As I adjusted to my new life, I quickly realized that carelessness on my part could mean dire consequences as t1d required attention from the moment I rose until my head hit the pillow at night — and sometimes even while I slept.

If I ate too much, it could mean high blood sugar later; if I ate too little, I'd be up in the middle of the night to treat low blood sugar with a glass of juice. Figuring out the right dose sometimes felt like a guessing game. For me, my 20s were about navigating the new normal and figuring out how to coexist with a condition that has no cure.

Since your 20s can be somewhat tumultuous, it's a good idea to:

Prioritize your health. You'll be living with this condition for the rest of your life, so it's important to set yourself up for success.
Give yourself grace. During challenging days remain focused on the bigger goal — getting back on track after hypo or hyperglycemia.

Flirty in my 30s

By age 30, I had forged a partnership with an endocrinologist who was responsive to my questions, concerns, and the changes that come with every decade of life with the condition. Quarterly A1C checks offered valuable insight, especially after I switched careers in my mid-30s. Long hours working on production sets can be stressful when you live with t1d. Who knew?

When my endocrinologist suggested insulin pump therapy, I was hesitant at first about wearing a device 24/7 and what it could mean for my dating life. I eventually got over it and started on a user-friendly insulin pump. The ability to bypass daily insulin injections and give boluses on the spot made living with t1d a game changer.

Additionally, my irrational fear about dating as a pump wearer eventually ended. I knew I had found a keeper when the handsome man from my workplace barely flinched as I disclosed my condition with him. He accepted that diabetes and I were a package deal.

As you find balance and learn more about who you are, it's wise to:

Shift your mindset. The condition may cause you to take different paths than you may have imagined — and that's OK — so be open to change.
Take a test drive. Some manufacturers will let you try out their devices before you commit. Don't hesitate to take advantage!

Enjoying my fabulous 40s

After we married, starting a family was a priority and so was my desire to deliver a healthy baby while living with t1d. As a 40-year-old mom-to-be, I approached pregnancy with care and consideration in tandem with my endocrinologist's guidance. The OB-GYN was amazed, too, as I rattled off my glucose number faster than he could break out his old clunky monitor to check it. Though preeclampsia was part of my journey, I delivered a healthy boy who's now an active teen.

Aging is a fact of life. Aging while living with t1d has come with added stress like a hospitalization with ulcers; and laser eye surgery to address retina leaks. When the words on magazine pages suddenly shrunk, a caring ophthalmologist helped me maintain near-perfect eyesight. Modest drugstore readers now correct what time has taken away. Good doctor's visits are motivators — and so are the disappointing ones that remind me that life with t1d is a mystery yet to be solved.

While tackling challenges with confidence in your 40s, always remember to:

Be a champion for yourself. By your 40s, you know what works and doesn't. Advocate until you are comfortable.
Reassess your team. Aging brings with it new experiences and some concerns, so don't be afraid to reach out to other physicians who can offer new perspectives.

Fearless at 50

After a decade on an insulin pump, I made the leap to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that displays blood sugar readings on my smartphone and a patch insulin pump that's half the width of a credit card. Both technologies have helped me achieve even tighter control and feel better while living with t1d.

Though diabetes requires constant thought and care, some things are ingrained. I accept that Starbucks Frappuccinos will send my blood sugar soaring; that a plant-based lifestyle might not always be as satisfying as fast food, though the Impossible Burger is a tasty alternative. I also know that regular daily exercise, health app workouts, quarterly doctor visits, a supportive circle, and engaging with members of the Diabetes Strong Facebook Group have made the journey less lonely.

With your hard-won wisdom and experience, make sure to:

Share the journey. Being open about your t1d journey can benefit others and lead to valuable relationships that offer new insights.
Feel comfortable in your own skin. You know who you are and what works for you. Embrace that knowledge and resolve to live your best life.

Aging is challenging enough. Aging with t1d adds extra considerations, especially since every major organ and body part can be affected — from your teeth to your feet — which means the heels aren't as high anymore (and I'm fine with that). Each decade has brought new insights, discoveries, and trials. I believe the diligence and decision made in my 20s have allowed me to approach each decade living with t1d with grace, gratitude, and a fair amount of humor.

Curious to learn more about my experiences living with diabetes? Check out this article on balancing diabetes and motherhood for more insights.