Loved one diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes - what to expect?

[kmujnhbgvfredfghtyuj]

Recently someone i know and love was just diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I just want to know what will happen to her life expectancy if she starts treatment and keeps on it regularly.

[WaelAN]

Hi there, you might want to share this documentary with your loved one as it will help a lots to understand the root cause and cure not only to Diabetes but also other life threatening health problems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og62hbNl794&t=16s

[Sara_MHModerator]

How is your loved one adjusting to the diagnosis?  Do you have any questions?  We are here to help.

[specialmom]

I agree that type one diabetes is manageable.  Does your loved one work with anyone in the office like a nurse to help get stabilized and used to checking levels and things like that?

[Super_sally888]

With excellent management her life expectancy should be just about the same as a person without type 1 diabetes.  However, she will need to be careful with diet and work to maintain her blood sugars as close to non-diabetic levels as possible.  Some people with type 1 diabetes find that a very low carb diet is very helpful for normalizing sugar levels, along with insulin dosing, of course.  I have had diabetes for 11 years now and using insulin for 11 years... my a1c is usually 5.0 - 5.2.  I eat very low carb.  I have no detectable diabetes complications.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  Thanks for your question although we are sorry you have a family member recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  Please know that this can be managed.  Your loved one should work with their doctor closely and perhaps a diabetes nurse educator that the doctor recommends.  Here is some helpful information on managing type one diabetes.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353017

Treatment typically involves:
  Taking insulin
Carbohydrate, fat and protein counting
Frequent blood sugar monitoring
Eating healthy foods
Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight

While it is a chronic and life long condition, managing diabetes type 1 becomes part of someone's life and they can lead a long, productive life when they are careful with their disease.  Best to you and your loved one.