HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinetype 1 diabetes

What are the complications of type 1 diabetes at age 23?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 23-year-old woman diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teen. My HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) has been around 8.5 percent despite using an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring. I often experience nighttime hypoglycemia and occasional fatigue during the day.

  1. Are there newer insulin regimens or adjunct medications that could improve my glucose control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia?

  2. Also, what lifestyle modifications are most effective for someone my age?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ashraf Ghani

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashraf Ghani is a dedicated general medicine physician committed to providing comprehensive and evidence-based healthcare for adult patients. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, infections, respiratory illnesses, and lifestyle-related disorders. Dr. Ashraf Ghani focuses on accurate diagnosis, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. Known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Ashraf Ghani strives to help patients achieve better health through clear communication and quality medical care.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

For someone with type 1 diabetes like you, who already uses an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring but still has an HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) around 8.5 percent with episodes of nighttime hypoglycemia, there are a few evolving strategies to consider.

Advances such as hybrid closed-loop or automated insulin delivery systems can help fine-tune insulin dosing and reduce both highs and lows by adjusting basal insulin in real time. Some adjunct medications, like Pramlintide (an amylin analog), have shown benefit in smoothing post-meal glucose spikes, though they require careful monitoring.

Specific SGLT2 (sodium glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists are studied in type 1 diabetes. However, their use is limited and carries specific risks, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, so they need individualized discussion with your endocrinologist.

Lifestyle modifications remain crucial:

  1. Consistent carbohydrate counting.

  2. Timing of meals and snacks with physical activity.

  3. Incorporating regular moderate exercise to improve insulin sensitivity.

  4. Ensuring good sleep.

  5. Stress management can enhance glucose stability.

For someone your age, focusing on structured meal planning, regular activity, and optimizing pump use and CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) features like predictive low-glucose suspend can help lower HbA1c without increasing hypoglycemia risk.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At December 2, 2025
Reviewed At March 27, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashraf Ghani is a dedicated general medicine physician committed to providing comprehensive and evidence-based healthcare for adult patients. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, infections, respiratory illnesses, and lifestyle-related disorders. Dr. Ashraf Ghani focuses on accurate diagnosis, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. Known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Ashraf Ghani strives to help patients achieve better health through clear communication and quality medical care.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

2,876Checks completed today
4.7/5User rating
~2 minAverage completion time
Evidence-basedGuideline aligned
Symptom Awareness Builder
Type 1 Diabetes HbA1c Awareness Builder

Managing Type 1 Diabetes?

Five quick questions will help you understand your current diabetes control and symptoms, guiding you on what is typical, what to mention to your doctor, and what warrants a call today.

This tool provides educational information only and does not diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance. Medications should be taken after consulting a physician. The dosages will be prescribed by the physician. Do not alter, start, or stop medications without consulting a healthcare professional.

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashraf Ghani is a dedicated general medicine physician committed to providing comprehensive and evidence-based healthcare for adult patients. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, infections, respiratory illnesses, and lifestyle-related disorders. Dr. Ashraf Ghani focuses on accurate diagnosis, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. Known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Ashraf Ghani strives to help patients achieve better health through clear communication and quality medical care.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.