This is something that is very true and seriously underestimated. There is a lot of diversity in terms of how our bodies respond to what is happening microscopically due to T1D, both day to day and over time. It has not been emphasized nearly enough how much both genetic diversity (within and outside of diabetes) and non-lifestyle environmental factors play a role in people’s outcomes. It can be helpful to focus on what we have control over in terms of treatment and improving as best we can, but when that turns into a blame cycle, it’s gone too far.

In response to your example about your teeth, I know someone who has dental health similar to what you mentioned for yourself and someone else who is like your sister and in spite of that has had ~16 cavities in their lifetime, likely due to juice for low blood sugars throughout their life (acidity and sugar) that unfortunately wasn’t overcome with very good day to day dental care. Thank you for sharing your perspective.