The luck part is that it seems that infections trigger the autoimmune reaction that kills the pancreas. The genetics bit is that you may or may not have got the gene from your father.
Most people die of heart attacks in the end. Factors like smoking, lifestyle and fighting in wars are probably more important than well managed type 1 nowadays. The big difference now is that the insulin is human insulin, made by genetically engineered microbes. In the past it was harvested from animals and it didn't work as well. Also constant blood monitoring means that highs and lows can be detected and fixed before damage is done. So - things have moved on, there isn't as much to be frightened of, I'm sorry your dad died young, but you will probably be ok.
The luck part is that it seems that infections trigger the autoimmune reaction that kills the pancreas. The genetics bit is that you may or may not have got the gene from your father.
Most people die of heart attacks in the end. Factors like smoking, lifestyle and fighting in wars are probably more important than well managed type 1 nowadays. The big difference now is that the insulin is human insulin, made by genetically engineered microbes. In the past it was harvested from animals and it didn't work as well. Also constant blood monitoring means that highs and lows can be detected and fixed before damage is done. So - things have moved on, there isn't as much to be frightened of, I'm sorry your dad died young, but you will probably be ok.