I am not a doctor, and I doubt even a doctor could tell you. But I can relate the comment made by a PA friend when I was diagnosed at age 59. “It takes a long time for bad stuff to develop. You’ll probably die of something else.” Morbid, I suppose, but I was scared like you and the comment calmed me. At 78, I suspect you’ll be fine if you make the changes suggested above.

"When do you think it will hit me....." KDSM there's really no "hit" to it. It doesn't all of a sudden come up and smack you along side of the head. It's far more insiduous than that. However, if you're keeping your A1c under 8 your primary should be able to have a "hit" answer for you. This is not a 1+1=2 situation. Take your time to research, there's ton's of info out there. One of the best things I ever did was to obtain a Libre 3 Constant Blood Glucose Monitor. That device will open a whole new world for you. With a Libre 3 in place not only will you have constant glucose info but the device can also instantly transmit that same data to your physicians. It's a Godsend. You, me, and ALL diabetics should have a CGM. So go get a prescription, bolt one on and see more info than you will ever need. Best of luck to you - and luck has nothing to do with it. Hope this helps.