Living with Type 1 Diabetes at 60

Why is insulin so central to your treatment?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease: my pancreas no longer produces insulin, the hormone that allows cells to use glucose. Without an external supply, the body cannot function. Insulin isn't just one treatment option among others; for me, it is vital.

How has your treatment changed over forty years?

It has changed enormously. I started out injecting insulin with syringes. Then came insulin pens, followed by insulin pumps. Today, I use a hybrid closed-loop system: a continuous glucose monitor paired with a pump that adjusts my doses in real time. It's a level of technology I could never have imagined when I was first diagnosed.

Is managing the disease the same at 60 as it was at 20?

Not at all. Ageing with long-standing type 1 diabetes brings several challenges at once. My insulin sensitivity has changed. My hypos, when my blood sugar drops too low, are sometimes harder to feel than before, which makes them more dangerous. So I have to be extra vigilant.

There are also diabetes-related complications to keep an eye on: the eyes, the kidneys and the heart. To make sure nothing slips through the cracks, I have regular check-ups with different specialists. I approach it methodically, because I know every appointment matters.

What is the hardest thing to explain to people who don't live with this condition?

The constant mental load. I think about my blood sugar before driving, before a trip, before any slightly unusual meal. For forty years, I've been anticipating, adjusting and correcting whenever necessary.

The stories featured on this site are personal testimonies intended for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical consultation and should not be interpreted as medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. If you experience any symptoms or have a medical concern, we encourage you to consult a qualified healthcare professional.