“Does Type 1 diabetes get worse with age?”
I am a 40 year old male. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Does Type 1 diabetes get worse with age?
3 Answers
Typically not, but having type 1 diabetes does not preclude development of simultaneous type 2 diabetes, which has a different underlying mechanism.
I would not expect it to. It is natural for changes in kidney function, diet, etc., to change your need for insulin, and the diabetologists are always coming up with some new rule, so don't think your present dose is permanent. Just take excellent care of yourself and you'll live longer than classmates who abuse their bodies.
Type 1 diabetes may get more severe & harder to control with longer duration. Soon after diagnosis & treatment, the beta cells that make insulin may get better & insulin needs decrease. This is called the "honeymoon period). It doesn't last forever. Later, depending on the level of control, more beta cells may be killed and less internal insulin is produced. After a time that varies with the individual & level of control, all the beta cells may die & the individual will have more difficulty in control since they are now totally dependent on external insulin that cannot completely duplicate the smooth action of internal insulin. There is some memory in the pancreas so the better the control at the beginning the better is the control later on. So get in control & continue that control & you may save some beta cell & make control better. This loss of beta cells is not age related but is related to duration of the diabetes.