Sorry to hear about your loss. My sister in law was Type 1 insulin dependant. Died age 32. Thought she could do what she wanted, eat what she wanted etc so long as she used insulin. Would not listen to advice.
She could and did eat and do what she wanted, that's the choice open to us all, but the consequences catch up with us. A longer life with discipline or a shorter one doing what you want. In a way she's just an extreme example of the Big Mac generation.
re-stilly, condolences and thanks for a sensible post.
Hope he's comfortable in Helgafjell.