Diabetes and Life Expectancy

After diabetes diagnosis, many type 1 and type 2 diabetics worry about their life expectancy. 

Death is never a pleasant subject but it's human nature to want to know 'how long can I expect to live'.

There is no hard and fast answer to the question of ‘how long can I expect to live’ as a number of factors influence one’s life expectancy. 

How soon diabetes was diagnosed, the progress of diabetic complications and whether one has other existing conditions will all contribute to one’s life expectancy - regardless of whether the person in question has type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

What causes a shorter life expectancy in diabetics?

High blood sugar over a period of time allow diabetic complications to set in, such as:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Kidney disease
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)

Higher blood sugars can often be accompanied by associated conditions, such as:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

Both help to contribute to poor circulation and further the damage to organs, such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves in particular.

In some cases, short-term complications, such as hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, can also be fatal.

What can I do as a diabetic to help increase my life expectancy?

Maintaining good blood glucose control is a key way to prolong the length of your life.

Keeping blood sugar levels within the recommended blood glucose level ranges will help to offset the likelihood of the complications and therefore increase life expectancy.

It is highly recommended to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, of a well balanced diet and regular activity, in order to help keep blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels and promote good blood circulation.