My 20 year old boyfriend has had type 1 diabetes since age three, and I know he has tried to take good care of his blood sugars (but I can’t say for certain how well he has done for the entire 17 years). How much longer can he expect to live with no complications? Is there a general time span of diabetes complications, or is it entirely dependant on how well blood sugars are controlled? I am worried about his continuing health.

I cannot tell you specifically how long your boyfriend will live with no complications. The best prediction of this would be a recent exam by a physician who can identify any complications that might already be present. Complications can begin 10 years after onset of the disease. There is some delay in onset of complications until after puberty.

If he is not under good control, it is never too late to begin. However, a person with poor blood sugar control is not in control of their life. Finally, to answer your last question, it is true that the risk of complications to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves is directly related to blood sugar control.

JTL