He was. My aunt was a nurse for years and said that well managed diabetes should still see a good life lead.
He simply didn’t turn up for work and they broke in to his house because he wasn’t answering calls. He was discovered dead in bed.
Thanks to everyone for the good thoughts. I’ve had four friends of my generation go now.
Your aunt isn't wrong, well controlled diabetes can certainly see someone still lead a good life, this is more challenging for type 1 given it's nature & length someone will live with the condition. The issue with diabetic ketoacidosis is that is more an acute problem than a long term affect of the diabetes - as has already been pointed out earlier diabetes leads to long-term issues, especially when poorly controlled; I gather your friend must have been type 1 from the information given and so poor control of their diabetes most often would lead to issues with vision, kidneys & nerves (usually starting in the feet) & this is what having good control will help prevent.
Diabetic ketoacidosis like I say is one of the acute dangers with type 1 diabetes, it's when there is insufficient insulin in the body, which can be caused by a number of reasons. Insulin is a hormone that controls glucose levels, and also prevents the production of ketones (acids which are produced from fat as an alternative source of energy when you're starving). Therefore this lack of insulin produces high levels of glucose in the blood, and production of ketones for energy - leading to an increased acidity in your blood, and significant fluid shifts within the body. The high levels of glucose/ketones pulls fluid out of cells & leads to significant fluid loss through urination, on top of this you lose potassium through this excessive urination. Rarely you can get swelling on the brain.
So in short: a lack of insulin leads to one become extremely dehydrated, acidotic (blood pH low) & hypokalaemic (low potassium levels); a life threatening series of events unfortunately.
This condition is treatable in hospital, the mainstay being rehydration, followed by insulin & potassium replacement. However one has to recognise the signs that they're suffering from this and of course get to hospital in time; this would usually be excessive urination, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pains & rapid deep breathing.
People who develop diabetes later in life (type 2 diabetes) are extremely unlikely to suffer diabetic ketoacidosis; however do have a similar condition to be careful of.
It's unfortunately a tough condition to live with, I'm always impressed at how well some people cope.
35 is no age at all though, sorry to hear of your loss.