I was diagnosed with type1 when I was two, and given I'm now mid forties (trying not to remember exactly) I've now had it for 44 years (ish).
I'm actually finding it easier now, but only since the CGM's appeared - before then oh dear gods, lets not go there - mine has always been volatile (during my A-level years my HbA1c was 86-92, oops).
I am however very lucky that I've not really got much in the way of problems, I have background retinopathy which they are happy to keep checking and occasionally get maculopathy - but it has cleared up by itself both times.
I am also now a completely pessimistic cynical old fart
The newer tech has definitely made it much easier than it used to be, but then when I was a kid home blood glucose meters didn't even exist, but even though its is 'easier'; it can still be a complete PITA at times