Hi Crissy,

Well, you're certainly not exaggerating, diabetes is quite serious.  Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to all kinds of complications that will seriously impact your quality of life as you get older.  20+ years of this disease is plenty of time for those complications to arise, as you are experiencing.

As for getting your husband to understand the severity of your condition, I think you need to demonstrate the importance of self-care.  You must make diabetes management a priority in your life.  If you respect the disease and your well being, then the people around you will respect it too.  Also, you could schedule an appointment with your endocrinologist and have your husband come along.  Hearing about your condition from a knowledgable third party might get your husband on board with your care.

It's true that diabetes "is your disease" but the people who love you are a critical support system.  That being said, they cannot manage it for you.  If you take control of your diabetes, I think you'll feel more control over your life.  Seeing positive results from your efforts at diabetes management will yield a wonderful sense of accomplishment and pride.  You're the only one who is ultimately responsible for your diabetes health.  While one could view that as a tremendous burden, it's also liberating to know that the power is yours alone. 

Communities like HealthCentral are great places to get support and learn more about managing diabetes.  We're here to help!

Good luck!