Is this an age thing???

I have begun to wonder how much of the need to be in control is an age thing. I was diagnosed type 2 in my 50s( Now 61) and have researched everything that I can find. Also I've been campaigning for better access to test strips to improve my control and balancing weight loss with tight control. It's not easy! So much medication puts weight on you. My neighbour, has been diagnosed about a year. He's in his 70s and opted to go straight onto insulin, because he didn't want to control his diet. This man is slim! He comes over and helps me with gardening. I find some things difficult as I've survived a stroke.
Naturally we talk and he tells me his BG numbers. I would flip out if I got numbers like that. He's been told that up to 20 is OK. and regularly goes into double fiures. When I tell him my numbers at around 5 whenever I test, he just laughs. He of course has free access to strips, mine are rationed. He doesn't care and I do. We don't attend the same medical practice or I'd ask for some of his strip ration. I know other older people, who don't care what their numbers are OR what they eat.. Quite happy to have a sandwich for lunch and think it's OK if it's brown bread!

I'm personally a control freak; low carb at that. I have found the latest NICE guidelines and been bombarding my PCT for more strips. the NICE document seems to say I can have them if I want them and need them. As PCT claims to follow NICE guidelines, I should get some more. I am retired and lead a busy life, loads of exercise classes and some voluntary work, dogs and a garden. My pattern varies from day to day, so I can't do the same each day and know my BG will be the same. For example, I went out with my walking group today, but since there's a monsoon in South Oxfordshire, we didn't go as far as usual. Only about 2 miles ,paddling most of it. I expended more energy keeping warm in soaked clothing. I'm home now, but had to change right down to skin level. Even my underwear was wet!!
My neighbour told me his highest BG was 18 last week. When I asked what he'd been doing, he told mr he'd been out for dinner. At his age, I think complications develop slowly.That might be why the NHS don't worry about type 2s . Many of us are older and will not have long enough lives to get into real trouble.
I'm planning on a long life without trouble. I have some retinopathy, but it's stable. the diabetic eye clinic only want to see me after 9 months and last time, the doctor was comparing his diagrams from the previous visit carefully.