Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body processes glucose, also known as blood sugar. There are three main types of diabetes:
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes – The body does not produce insulin. It is an autoimmune disease. People are usually diagnosed as children or young adults.
- Type 2 diabetes – The body does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use it. This is the most common type, usually occurring in adults.
- Gestational diabetes – A temporary form of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes prior.
Diabetes requires constant management to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. With proper care and management, those with diabetes can live long, fulfilling lives.
Life Expectancy for Diabetics
In general, the life expectancy for diabetics is close to that of the general population. However, life expectancy can vary depending on several factors:
- Type of diabetes – Those with type 1 diabetes tend to have a lower life expectancy by up to 10 years compared to the general population. Those with type 2 diabetes have a life expectancy closer to the general population.
- Age of onset – Those diagnosed earlier in life may have more complications and lower life expectancy.
- Management and control – Proper management with diet, exercise, medication and routine screening can help diabetics maintain health and normal lifespan.
- Presence of complications – Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting lifespan.
Life Expectancy for Type 1 Diabetics
Type 1 diabetes typically reduces life expectancy by 5 to 10 years compared to the general population. However, with proper management, those with type 1 diabetes can live long lives.
According to research:
- Males with type 1 diabetes live on average 66 years.
- Females with type 1 diabetes live on average 68 years.
Life expectancy continues to improve for those with type 1 diabetes due to advancements in treatment and management. Those diagnosed today can expect to live longer than these estimates.
Life Expectancy for Type 2 Diabetics
Those with type 2 diabetes tend to have life expectancies close to the general population when the disease is well-managed. However, complications can significantly reduce lifespan.
According to research:
- Males with type 2 diabetes live on average 77 years.
- Females with type 2 diabetes live on average 81 years.
Lifestyle changes and medications can help those with type 2 diabetes manage their condition and prevent complications that negatively impact life expectancy.
Factors Affecting Life Expectancy
There are several key factors that influence the life expectancy of those with diabetes:
Age of Onset
Those diagnosed at a younger age may have more complications and reduced lifespan. According to studies:
- Those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before age 10 live on average 66 years.
- Those diagnosed between ages 10-14 live on average 68 years.
- Those diagnosed between ages 15-19 live on average 71 years.
Earlier diagnosis and treatment can help improve long-term outlook.
Management and Control
Proper management of diabetes through medication, routine testing, diet, exercise and lifestyle plays a key role in lifespan.
- Well-managed A1C levels close to non-diabetic levels (below 7%) are associated with higher life expectancy.
- Close monitoring and management of cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure also improve outlook.
Presence of Complications
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting life expectancy:
- Heart disease – Leading cause of death, reducing lifespan by up to 10 years.
- Kidney disease – Advanced kidney failure requires dialysis and reduces lifespan.
- Nerve damage – Can lead to pain, infections, injury, disability.
- Eye damage – Can lead to blindness and disability.
Preventing and properly managing complications is key to maintaining life expectancy.
Average Life Expectancy
On average, current life expectancy for those with diabetes is:
| Type | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 Diabetes | 66 years | 68 years |
| Type 2 Diabetes | 77 years | 81 years |
These averages have increased in recent decades with advancements in treatment and management. Those diagnosed today can expect to meet or exceed these averages with proper care.
Improving Life Expectancy
There are several ways those with diabetes can help maximize life expectancy:
- Achieve optimal blood sugar control – Keep A1C as close to non-diabetic levels as safely possible through medication, diet and lifestyle.
- Prevent and manage complications – Get regular screenings to catch issues early and follow treatment plans for existing complications.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits – Follow diet, exercise and stress management guidelines to support overall health.
- Do not smoke – Smoking dramatically increases risk of complications.
- Get routine care – See healthcare providers regularly to monitor health status.
Conclusion
While diabetes does reduce average life expectancy, particularly for those with type 1 diabetes, proper modern management of the disease can enable those with diabetes to live long, high-quality lives. Key factors like controlling blood sugar, preventing complications, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits are critical for maximizing lifespan.
With diligent self-care and access to quality treatment, life expectancy for diabetics continues to improve. Those diagnosed today can expect to meet average lifespans for the general population through attentive management of their condition.