I was told always to wear shoes because cuts are easy to get and hard to feel. I've had it already

Yes, that is good.. esecially when you have neuropathy like I do..

Also, the longer you have the disease, the higher your risk for complications...

I think mostly it is diet. People eat the wrong things, feel good so they keep on eating them. Meanwhile organs are being attacked slowly over time and they have not a clue.
So many people have it but aren't tested for it so thay have it for years not knowing, just wondering why they don't feel so hot or always go to sleep after a hugh carb meal... then something happens or they go for their first check up at 50 and Bam they are half destroyed inside.

It is eay to ignore this as most don't realize they even have it. And even if they do people say screw it and eat a little here and little there and make excuses for it and they it won't hurt them this one time. BUT.. the one time becomes more and more and until you have a real episode for a wakeup call you do what is easier....eat what you want.
Just go in hopital ward where thete are diabetic patients with no legs, no eyes, in a coma...that wakes you up. Sad but sometimes it takes that to see what a horendous disease this is and not to be taken lightly as well as we all do sometimes.
I have a friend, he is young about 42. Followed pretty good diet, not over weight. One day I found out he was in the hospital. His parents said he had he had gone out for dinner and the next morning he never answerd his phone. They went by to check...he was in a diabetic coma just like that....Two days later he woke up and said he had a meat with a sauce on it, half a baked potatoe, vegie and small salad. A glass of wine which he always has at night.
Went home, went to sleep and never woke up.......It can happen that easy, scarey.......You just never know......He is ok now but now he always has someone call him in the am to make sure he is awake!!!!

I guess when it is out time, it is...no matter what we do..

wow.. that is a scary story, Sunnie.. and he didnt even do anything that was really that bad. You never know, do you? I agree that some people just choose to ignore it, but one day they will have to face it and lets hope it isnt too late.

I know also if you have other complications, you are prone to a higher risk too