“They Did Not Anticipate Anybody Living a Full Life”: Perspectives on Aging With Type 1 Diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes are living longer and, by 2030, one-fifth of the U.S. population will be older adults ≥65 years of age. This qualitative study addressed the scarcity of research on the experiences of aging people with type 1 diabetes. Nineteen older adults (mean age 65.63 ± 6.27 years, mean duration of diabetes 36.97 ± 18.94 years) were interviewed about their disease management challenges and gaps in available resources. Identified themes included positive and negative changes over the life span resulting from 1) diabetes-related psychological health 2) hypoglycemia unawareness, and 3) health care barriers. Responses also suggested that a lack of support may lead to poorer health outcomes and greater diabetes distress. Additional research is needed to better understand these issues and to inform the creation or tailoring of public policies to support older adults with type 1 diabetes.