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Home > Knowledge & support > Managing type 1 diabetes > Getting older with type 1 diabetes
Managing type 1 diabetes is a lifelong journey, and that journey changes as we age. Our needs and challenges evolve over time, and at Breakthrough T1D we’re here to help you and your loved ones navigate those changes with confidence, knowledge and support.
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) means years of carefully balancing blood glucose, insulin, food, and daily routines. As you grow older, your body and lifestyle naturally shift, and that can affect how you manage your type 1. The good news is that with the right support, it’s absolutely possible to adapt and continue living well.
Blood glucose management remains important, but if you’ve had T1D for a long time, your targets may look different than they did when you were younger. Older adults are often more vulnerable to low blood glucose (hypos), which can cause confusion, dizziness, falls, or hospital visits. On the other hand, high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) can also be serious, especially if it leads to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Knowing how these risks change with age and how to manage them can make all the difference.
As we get older, we’re more likely to develop other health conditions and that can make managing T1D more complex.
That’s why regular conversations with your healthcare provider are so valuable. They can help you review and, if needed, adjust your targets, medications, or devices to fit your changing needs. They can also guide you in spotting early warning signs, planning for hospital visits, and connecting with resources for in-home care or community support.
There are more tools than ever to help you manage T1D. Continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and connected pens can make daily management easier and safer. These devices can help you stay independent, reduce the risk of emergencies, and give peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
If you’re new to these tools, take a look at our guide to type 1 diabetes technology to help you get started.
Hospital visits with T1D can bring extra challenges. Find out what to expect and how to advocate for the best care during both planned and emergency visits.
As we get older, living with T1D can mean our care needs change. Whether you’re getting support at home or moving into a care home, it’s important that your condition is managed safely and consistently, in a way that works for you. Find out what good care looks like, from daily routines to access to the right technology, and how to make sure your needs are understood and respected.
Our report explores the experiences, concerns and needs of people over the age of 45 living with T1D.
"I remember seeing how stable my blood sugars had been overnight and showing my husband excitedly; I feel emotional thinking about it."
"When I was diagnosed in 1985, I had the same level of ignorance most non-diabetics have about the condition."
Our guides can help provide you with information and support in your journey to living well with type 1 diabetes.
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