I have type 1 diabetes and am a certified diabetes educator. I,too, know the fear of the complications of diabetes however, with healthy eating, exercising and taking our medications and keeping up with our appointments we can live long healthy lives. We can live healthier and longer then a lot of those who don't eat healthy, smoke, don't exercise or go to the doctor and etc. I have seen many who have had diabetes for many years and are doing just fine.
I know that I am at an increased risk of complications but I need to believe that if we work hard to be healthy we will feel so much better and live longer/happier.

I tell folk that I have two options: I can live *with* diabetes, or I can die *from* diabetes. My stepmother's father died *from* diabetes, piece by painful piece. He did not watch his diet, or pay any other attention to his care. I'm not sure if he was taught to test his sugar -- he died in 1988, before home blood glucose monitoring was common. On the other hand, my childhood orthopaedist lived *with* diabetes for many years, but died of *old age* (he was 95 when he passed).

Living *with* diabetes means checking blood glucose, watching my diet, taking care of all the little things that go along with the diagnosis. Doing this will minimize the potential for complications setting in. Living *with* diabetes also means not letting those complications cripple you psychologically. (How many people do you know who, having lost a limb, give up on life completely? I've known two -- and that is two people too many to have given up "just like that".)

Live with it/die from it. It's your choice. As for me, I'd rather live with it.

George, I am sorry that you are feeling so frustrated with the d-life. It can go "out of trange" from the slightest stress or for unknown reasons. That is one reason why many people feel that no matter what they do, diabetes will win. I would advise you not to "speak" this death and dying and suffering thing into existence. Yes, we have all read the stats and know many who have suffered and died from diabetes. But I have NEVER believed that I would be one who just crumbled away and gave up. Please do not let ONE stressful day of crummy blood sugars taint your outlook.
Back in the day of NO blood goucose testing, many people did not kmow that they were constantly high and the complications of years and years of high blood sugars destroyed them. That was the case of past generations. We have a regime of much more awareness and proactive measures that can be taken. That may have not been the case for so many of relatives and friends who became deathly ill from complications, even only 10-15 years ago. You are doing every thing you can to manage the disease on a day to day basis, and you will benefit from your efforts
We do not have to die from diabetes, as the poster above says, but live WITH it.
KEEP THE FAITH!!!

There is no history of diabetes in my family at all. I was diagnosed when I was 5. That was in the early '70's. They told me alot of really sad things...but the one thing that stuck in my head was ...you will not live past 40.
When I wass a kid that seemed like forever. When I got to be 40...I knew reality. I knew diabetes had changed since the '70's.
Every time I have a cold or flu....I hear....Weeeelllllll...Since you have Diabetes...
I was chosen, to carry this challenge thru my life. And so I shall.
Like you, I fear of the slow progression of pain before death. No legs, no kidneys, no eyesight...that kind of thing. In fact, I have made a pact with my family, that I will not depend on any other person in my life. Once I get to the point where I am dpeendant for some one else to see for me, or walk for me, or take me to doctors...etc...?
Im pulling my own plug.
I made it past 40. In fact I fuilly intend to hang out, take care of myself for at least another 20 years.Today, I am doing the best I can to grow older.
Chin up George, We are all in this together.

I agree with you when i decided to take tight control i ended up passing out (i think) behind the wheel at 4am on my way to work. i must have somhow driven 6 or7 miles through curves and intersections until i side swiped a truck and smashed head on into a cocrete culvert. i woke up and didnt know what happened. paramedics checked my sugar and it was 30 somthin. i was luky to come out or that with only a few scrapes and bad bruises. Im also lucky i didnt hit or taken anybody elses life it was a BADD wreck. to i dont worry about being as tight as i use to. So dam if you do and dam if you dont. I tell myself it will take my life slowly or it almost did quickly. just have to ride that fine line i guess.

there is always hope for us ...i run rosetta@home in hopes it will help find some cures someday..research is going on 24/7 check out this research article http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26421737/

I have been a diabetic for about 55 years, and everything still works the way it should. I am a male and, unfortunately that seems to make a difference. And I admit to a lot of luck; when I started a BG reading once every six months meant you were a star patient. Now O test 7-9 times a day. And I do not have a pump and I do not have CGM. I hope to get the pump soon. The point is that you really can live a good, long life with T! diabetes. I think you have to be careful, active, and uncaring. What I mean is I decided that it would not control my life. I have lived in Africa for years, I have done high speed endurance motorcycle racing, and I have worked with explosives. Yeah, I'm careful but my attitude is, Who's in charge here, me or my body? Answer, I am every time.

I’ve read a lot of post here and to tell you the truth it’s depressing to see so many negative views .
Just the topic alone “It will probably win” I’m new to diabetes I have type two. I was told when you got diabetes that its like you had your first heart attack .I’m 65 and I’m not worried about making it to 75 or 85.
I never went for checkups till I was 60. Figured if I made it to 60 without help I might as well make it all the way so I went for help. (DOCTORS) I not going to live in fear with diabetes worrying about what it could do ,”and I know what it could do”
I’m going to do my best and learn what “I CAN” do to stay ahead of this disease.
“”I FOR ONE AIN’T DIEING FROM DIABETES “”
Robert

George -
I plan to die in my sleep, hopefully after a good night "between the sheets" with someone I love, and when I'm way to old to even be thinking about such things!
You know my families history with T1, and yes, it freaks me out at times. I used to be afraid that history would repeat self - and those thoughts froze me in my tracks.
There are times when those thoughts still creep in to my head, and I have to remind myself of the Diabetes world I live in.
A world where technology & research are changing our lives for the better. Pumps, monitors,cgms, and the wonderful world of carb counting. We are lucky to live in such an age and I'm taking full advantage of it.
Unfortunately, my family members who passed from diabetes didn't live in this diabetes world. If they had, I really think they would have lived much longer and happier.
Yes, it's not always easy, but it's worth it!
Stay positive and proactive, and continue to own your diabetes.
Keep writing - we love ya!
k2

I am 58 and have had T2 since 1984. I went 19 years diet and exercise controlled until I had to start on Starlix. Last year we had to start me on Metformin, and finally to d/c the starlix and start me on Amaryl once daily and increased the Metformin to breakfast and supper.

Almost all of my relatives [1 grandparent, 2aunts, 3 uncles, 6 cousins and my mother] have had diabetes. Almost all have had HBP and heart disease. And I have some renal failure and my mother had to go on dialysis. My only sister died of cancer at 30, and several other relatives died of cancer too. My dad and mom both died around 83 years of age.

It is interesting that I don't think about my diabetes getting me in the end. I have heart disease, sarcoidosis [affects heart, lungs, eyes and connective tissues], GERD, sleep apnea, irritable bowel, and arthritis from the sarcoidosis and from old injuries so that I get around on crutches and am on continuous oxygen. I have had cellulitis on my lower leg 2x in 2 1/2 years and have had shingles for the second time this year [the first time at 34].

My philosophy is every problem that occurs is another bump on the road, but some are hills I must admit. And, I think that this is good, for I doubt I'll live to be an old lady, but I do not worry about it. I have a close church family, a roommate [since '93 when I was too short of breath to carry the garbage out and heavy loads into the house]who is also an RN, good friends nearby and in other states, 2 lovely cats, and a computer so I can communicate with everyone. And, I still manage to do my Insect World lectures since everyone that knows me are willing and able to help me with unloading and reloading my van, and helping me to set up my projector so I can do a slide show. My only real change in the talk is that I now sit on a padded bar stool while I talk to the children.

The bad thing is that I get no exercise except when I shop- I put a tote bag on each crutch and shop till I have reached my load limit- which isn't very much.

I am determined to keep on walking on crutches as long as I can, even though every step hurts. I feel lucky that I am still walking and driving, though I admit I worry about being mugged when I am out since I move slowly.

I hope my writing this helps you out some. I do watch my glucoses daily, and I do follow my diet. Please do not get to discouraged, bumps in the road happen, but generally the road smooths out again pretty soon.

Good Luck, and I wish you the best.