Hello,
I was diagnosed with type1 at 30, I’m now 52 and have quite a few complications. Proliferate Diabetic Retinopathy, Advanced Neuropathy in both legs, drop foot, and now frozen shoulder.
My control has been poor due to my work demands. I’m at a point of retiring early to put the full time job of diabetes front and center. Does anyone have any advice for me? I really appreciate it.
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@literarygail Welcome Gail to the Breakthrough T1D Community Forum!
It is difficult to hear of all your complications at so young an age and I hope that dedicating full-time effort for getting a firm grip on your diabetes will work; we share retinopathy and fear of blindness - I was diagnosed with retinopathy in 1966 after not seeing a doctor for years.
Maybe a “short retirement” of 4 months or a year may be time enough, BUT you will need a plan, I think. A place to begin is evaluate what you know about diabetes and strength areas where you envision more knowledge; a “diabetes coach” may help. Initial areas to evaluate would be the basic interaction of Activity, What you eat, Insulin needs. Some people have been greatly helped by reading the book Think Like a Pancreas. A good doctor, a Diabetologist or Endocrinologist could help getting you on the track to better health.
There are many good tips on this site - use the magnifying glass to search for topics. and don’t hesitate to post questions - members here have years of diabetes experience and willing to share. Meeting in-person with other PwD is a big assist, you may find a Chapter near you, or a "diabetes activity; Local Type 1 Diabetes Support - Breakthrough T1D
Thank you, Dennis. I appreciate the information.
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Hi Gail
“As an added layer, there is a common misconception that diabetes, or complications of diabetes, are entirely someone’s fault (disregarding one’s resources or support to reduce these risks). It can feel, and often rightly so, that the world of diabetes care is full of blame, shame, and “big brother”-like approaches.”
Empathy in Your Diabetes Care: A Luxury or a Necessity? - Taking Control Of Your Diabetes®
Take Control Of Your Diabetes TCOYD is a fantastic resource. Here’s a video in a recent post introducing the very important emotional complication of diabetes. The Dr. Bill Show: The Emotional Side of Diabetes
They posted a video this week talking about the treatments for frozen shoulder. Diabetes Joint Problems: Trigger Finger & Frozen Shoulder
Most of the numbers your doctor is throwing at you are coming from here:
American Diabetes Association Standards of Care 2025 Like the great works of literature the first read is fun but only after you read it a couple of times, and start reading related works then going back to the standards of care does it start to make sense.
I think you’re going to be disappointed in a good way that managing T1D isn’t a full time job. I say that having spent at least 12 hours this week reordering medications and supplies. Next I have to call my Dexcom supplier to make sure they faxed my doctor to start the PA.
Hi Chris,
I definitely agree that people are encouraged to accept what goes wrong as their own weakness and internalize what goes right as their own efforts. I think there’s a vast territory in between those options and genetics and environment play a large role. If I had had children, I have no doubt my health would be worse off. I agreed with the professionals there. Thank you so much for the resources and the support. I also hope the management of these complications won’t be a full time job. 
Welcome to the forum @literarygail!
If it helps any, frozen shoulder may or may not be a complication of diabetes. My right shoulder froze many years ago and the Ortho I saw said you can’t always pinpoint the specific reason but repetitive reaching is often to blame (tennis players frequently get it). Surgery and PT freed me up.
Some time later my company offered ergonomics assessments and I discovered the positioning of frequently used items probably had had something to do with it - we moved things around.
I hope you’re able to get treatment for your shoulder and won’t need surgery.