Diabetes is a very serious condition that had not gotten much press until recent years. Sudden shifts in blood sugars can cause life-threatening attacks of either low or high blood sugars, both of which require immediate administration of either sugars (e.g. orange juice) or medications (e.g. insulin) to bring their levels back to normal. This condition is also known to cause problems later in life in the major bodily systems, including increased chances of heart disease, severe vision problems, neurological disorders (such as neuropathy), difficulty in healing wounds (which can result in gangrene infections & amputations), and much more.
Regular monitoring of blood sugars, strict adherance to medication/insulin schedules, a regulated diet and ongoing monitoring for the health problems associated with diabetes by the family doctor, endocrinologist, and other specialist are the best ways to maintain your health as a diabetic, particularly as you get older.
For more information on Diabetes, I encourage you to visit the American Diabetes Association at : http://www.diabetes.org