People with T1D may find it more challenging to manage their medications and supplies as they get older. Here are some tips and actionable ways to help navigate life with this autoimmune condition later in life.

Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) as you age might require a shift in strategy for how you’ve been living with the condition over time.

As you age, this could mean focusing more on life with T1D in a safe, simple, and accessible way versus how you managed it when you were younger. This includes navigating prescriptions and different medications, particularly insulin that you may take by insulin injection, insulin pump, or inhaled form.

Long-term T1D may lead to certain diabetes complications, including vision and dexterity changes that might change how you manage the condition.

Here are some actionable steps to help you continue managing your health effectively as you grow older with T1D.

Complex math and tiny markings can lead to dosing errors.

Moving toward systems that do the work for you is a key step.

  • Switch to smart insulin pens: If you aren’t using an insulin pump, “Smart Pens” (like InPen) can track when you last took a dose and how many units remain in your system. This prevents the common mistake of “stacking” insulin.
  • Use dose-assistance tools: If drawing insulin from a vial is difficult, try a syringe magnifier or a type of loading device to help you see the markings more clearly and prevent over-filling.
  • Request large-print labels: Most pharmacies can print prescription labels in a larger font or provide high-contrast “talking” labels that read instructions aloud using a small reader device or smartphone.

Loosen your blood sugar target goals

Work with your diabetes care team on possibly loosening up your target blood sugar and A1C goals.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA)’s yearly guidelines suggest the option of a slightly higher target for older adults on insulin, especially those who may not always be able to recognize low blood sugar levels. This may help reduce the risk of dangerous hypoglyemia, and could be 7.5% to 8% for an A1C goal, instead of the 7.0% or lower recommendation for other ages.

Always consult your doctor and healthcare team before changing any diabetes management, especially blood sugar targets and insulin dosing.

Small parts like lancets and test strips can become incredibly frustrating to handle for those getting older with T1D, particularly when it means managing medications and technologies for diabetes.

  • Medication organizers: Try using a daily or weekly medication dispenser and organizer for any oral medications you take. Modern tech-enabled versions may be able to connect to a smartphone app, to send you reminders and alerts for when it’s time to take a medication or to track dosing habits.
  • Mobile scheduling: With mobile apps and AI-enabled tools, you can create calendars or set reminders to help schedule appointments or key tasks that are part of your diabetes management. You may also be able to sign up for auto refills with pharmacies or mail order supply companies, to take the guesswork out of ordering diabetes medications or supplies. Your health insurance plan may also cover different options.
  • Tactile cues: Use stickers, tape other other visual and tactile cues for the most-used buttons on your diabetes devices, such as the “Bolus” button on a pump or the “Home” button on a phone) so you can navigate by touch.
  • Bright task lighting: Place a flexible-arm lamp in your diabetes station, where you keep your supplies. Direct, bright light may make a significant difference in reading small print, seeing blood drops, or being able to insert a pump infusion set or see the unit measurements on a syringe or insulin pen.

You might consider the types of technology and tools you use to manage diabetes.

This could include continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, as well as mobile apps or other tech tools.

  • Data to larger screens: Instead of squinting at a small pump screen, use a smartphone or tablet to view your CGM data. You can then use the phone’s built-in accessibility settings to:
    • Increase text size and boldness.
    • Use an inverted color scheme or high-contrast mode for improved visibility.
  • Voice-enabled tech: Connect your CGM to a smart speaker like Alexa or Siri. You can simply ask, “What is my blood sugar?” and hear the reading aloud.
  • Talking fingerstick meters: If you still use finger-stick meters, look for talking glucose meters that guide you through the testing process and announce your results audibly.

As we age, the body’s ability to “feel” a low (hypoglycemia awareness) can diminish.9

  • Share data: Ensure a family member or friend is set up to receive data from your CGM. They can receive alerts on their phone if your blood sugar drops too low, providing an extra layer of security.
  • Wearable medical alerts: Switch to a high-contrast medical alert bracelet that is easy for first responders to read.
Stay on top of diabetes complications

As you age, your life with type 1 diabetes may also change if you begin to experience any diabetes-related complications.

These may come on gradually, affecting your eyes, toes, feet, and other parts of the body. You may not notice any symptoms at first, or they may not be as noticeable to cause alarm.

Keep up with regular eye and other doctor appointments to monitor your health, and notify your doctor of any changes in sensation or numbness in your hands, toes, or feet.

Learn more about managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) complications as you age.

People with T1D may find it more challenging to manage their medications and supplies as they get older. Here are some tips and actionable ways to help navigate life with this autoimmune condition later in life.

Talk with your diabetes care team about finding other methods and ways to manage your condition as you age. They may also be able to provide other resources and support ideas to help you navigate these life changes.

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Explore how you can continue managing this autoimmune condition effectively as you age.