Neuropathy in younger people? And some general help/exp!

Err yeah that's me about 17 years ago, which was only 10 years after diagnosis and quite young to be getting any signs of complications. Not all that you've listed initially, but they have a sneaky habit of creeping up on you very slowly and gradually over time.

First to start was peripheral - tingly toes (10 years in), then eyes at around 15 years (which have since been lasered), blood pressure pills started at 20 years in, and at about the same time started getting postural hypotension (don't stand up too quick!) and beginning to lose hypo awareness. Fortunately none of this is getting any worse, I seem to have stopped the decline for the moment, just with really tight control of blood sugar and pressure. I never found the pressure bandages/stockings made that much difference, and have never needed pain relief for physical neuropathic symptoms, but there are drugs specifically licensed for this so there are options.

But also bear in mind there are people who've had MUCH worse control than me over the years who are still symptom-free, and really strict diabetics who are in a significantly worse state than me. My HbA1c results have never been over 8, so "average" control at best I guess. Then again I suppose everyone knows someone who smoked 40 a day until getting knocked over by a bus in their late eighties?! Don't blame yourself too much, but focus on what you can change now and don't worry about the things you can't.

As far as employment is concerned, I'm lucky enough to work in the IT industry where freelancing is very common. With good business contacts I can choose to work when I want, making the time as I need it to concentrate on my health. Very flexible and I know I'm lucky to be able to do this.