Living with type 1 diabetes is not an easy task.But now, a significant number of people with type 1 diabetes are living more than ever.
Joslin Diabetes Center has created a program that recognizes individuals who have lived with diabetes depending on insulin for more than 50 years.The 50 -year -old veterans study is looking at these individuals to determine what factors allow them to be resistant to the harmful effects of diabetes such as nephropathy and proliferative retinopathy.
The veteran population gives Joslin a unique opportunity to study the genetic, environmental, psychological and physiological factors that can be the keys to survival with the extreme duration of diabetes.
Aging with grace
The care of yourself with the changes of type 1 diabetes as you aged.Mobility, energy levels, and other conditions related to age come into play.It is important to work with your doctor to know what complications to have for, but here there are three tips for the management of type 1 diabetes as it ages.
1. The control of the glucose level to prevent damage that can cause blindness and kidney disease.
2. Control your cholesterol and blood pressure and work with your doctor to reach a heart health plan that best suits your needs.
3. Do not skip your regular exams.It is important to meet with your doctor to make sure you are up to date with the correct treatment plan and to reduce the risk of other complications.
During the first stage of the study, Joslin found that about 50 percent of veteran members seemed to escape from having serious complications, which occur in almost all people with diabetes after 30 years of living with the disease.
The results showed that veterans had their blood glucose levels controlled during the years extremely well.More candidates are necessary to complete the investigation, but Joslin awaits one day to solve the issues that revolve around the diabetes type 1 long -term care.
what you can do
Avoid complications of living with type 1 diabetes by controlling your blood sugar levels, regardless of your current age.
"The investigations show that the elderly diabetics who use insulin have twice the disability rate of other elderly people," says Everyday Health.This is a severe warning.
Diabetes control requires a lot of time and effort, but with planning and great attention to detail, it is possible to live a long life with diabetes.