Living alone with type 1 diabetes can be risky because of the potential for severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) to go unnoticed and untreated.
Hypoglycemia is a common issue for people using insulin therapy, and when blood sugar levels drop too low, it can lead to confusion, disorientation, and even loss of consciousness.
The danger is heightened when there’s no one around to recognize these symptoms or provide help, especially at night when hypoglycemia often happens.
If severe hypoglycemia is left untreated, it can progress to seizures, coma, and in extreme cases, death.
Additionally, living alone may lead to delayed treatment of other diabetes-related complications, like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. It’s important to have a plan in place for emergencies and to ensure that someone knows how to help if needed.
Reference: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/living-alone/