Age 37, ruled the world, then BOOM! All the symptoms hit me over a six week period. My GP diagnosed me in 5 minutes. We tried oral Type 2 meds with no success. Within 10 days I’m using long and short duration insulin. With no family history of diabetes and no co-morbidities, my doctor concluded that it was an acute onset likely caused by a virus or other infection. After I became accustomed to injections, he sent me to a three day diabetes education course, for which I remain grateful decades later.
After six years of needles, I wanted to have tighter control and management. My GP referred me to an endocronologist who introduced me to a Medtronic pump. This device dramatically improved my wellbeing, as reflected in a greatly improved A1C. 20 years later, I integrated a closed system glucose sensor with the Medtronic 780G.
After retiring 5 years ago, the biggest challenge is keeping my A1C under 7. With a more sedentary lifestyle, good glucose management requires more effort. I’m moderately active, but I don’t exercise enough - I’ve put on about 10 extra pounds. I can shed it with a little work, but it tends to come back. We spend about 6 weeks each year in Europe, and I slim back down to that 34 inch waistline. Wonder why? 
If I could emulate the Mediterranean diet combined with walking everywhere upon returning home, problem solved. Alas, it’s not that easy.
Move the clock forward…now dealing with arthritis, joint replacement and chronic kidney disease. The plot thickens.