Chrissie,
I do not always agree with the advice the NHS give out, but the best advice I have had is that if you are told not to smoke because it may cause complications, you MAY get away with your old habits, if you are told not to drink because it may cause complications, you MAY get away with your old habits. So here comes the punch line - If you are told to manage your blood glucose, but you prefer to keep your old habits, you WILL NOT get away with it. Diabetes will get you in the end!!!.
Now there is your motivation!!!
Now dont let that frighten or depress you, because the evidence is growing that diabetes is not necessarily progressive and a diabetic with the will and motivation will avoid serious complications and ensure his/her longevity. I have been looking into enhanced pensions for diabetics and the pension funds are considering reviewing their approach to enhancements for diabetics, as lately, the diabetic fraternity are becoming educated in self preservation and beginning to blow huge holes in the "ten years off your life" approach and this has been picked up by the medics who advise the funds!!.
So get motivated and live a full life!!...
Steve.