Learn how people with type 2 diabetes can live longer. (2024)

At age 50, life expectancy- the number of years a person is expected to live- is 6 years shorter for people with type 2 diabetes than for people without it. People with type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk of complications and live longer by achieving their treatment goals.

What did this study examine?

This study measured average increases in life expectancy years for people with type 2 diabetes who met four different treatment goals. Researchers divided study participants into six groups based on sex and three age ranges. People with diabetes can use results to estimate their own likely life expectancy increase.

What’s important about this study?

By predicting life expectancy related to diabetes treatment goals, findings from this study can help people with diabetes and their doctors focus on treatment goals with the most impact. Decision makers can use this study to support diabetes programs in the United States.

What are the terms to know?

This study examined four diabetes treatment measures:

What were the results?

  • Managing weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can increase life expectancy by 3 years for the average person with type 2 diabetes. And for people with the highest levels of BMI (average 41.4 kg/m2), A1C (average 9.9%), LDL (average 146.2 mg/dl) and SBP (average 160.4 mmHg), reducing these levels can potentially increase life expectancy by more than 10 years.
  • The benefits in life expectancy from meeting treatment goals in this study were highest in adults ages 51 to 60, compared to those 61 and older.
  • Of the four treatment goals studied, reduced BMI on average was associated with the greatest gain in life expectancy, followed by reduced A1C.
  • The benefit of weight loss may have been underestimated since it is often connected with other treatment goals in this study. Weight loss must be maintained in the long term for life expectancy benefits to apply.

What is the take-home message?

Living well with diabetes requires more than blood sugar management. Diabetes management is also connected to weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This study shows how people with type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk of complications and extend their lives.

Learn how people with type 2 diabetes can live longer. (2024)

FAQs

Learn how people with type 2 diabetes can live longer.? ›

Managing weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can increase life expectancy by 3 years for the average person with type 2 diabetes. For people with the highest levels of BMI, A1C, LDL, and SBP, reducing these levels can potentially increase life expectancy by more than 10 years.

How to live a long life with type 2 diabetes? ›

6 Lifestyle Changes to Control Your Diabetes
  1. Eat healthy. This is crucial when you have diabetes, because what you eat affects your blood sugar. ...
  2. Exercise. If you're not active now, it's time to start. ...
  3. Get checkups. See your doctor at least twice a year. ...
  4. Manage stress. ...
  5. Stop smoking. ...
  6. Watch your alcohol.
May 21, 2023

Is living with type 2 diabetes hard? ›

There is no denying it is hard to live with diabetes. The obstacles can seem overwhelming. After all, people with diabetes need to change their lifestyles with healthy eating, exercise and limited alcohol consumption to help keep blood sugar levels in check. It doesn't end there though.

How long can a diabetic go without eating? ›

As a general rule, try to minimize any long gaps during the day without fuel, Sheth said, suggesting that 5–6 hours between meals is the max most people with diabetes should push it. Some, but not all, people may even need to eat every 3–4 hours for optimal blood sugar management, added Phelps.

Can you live 40 years with diabetes? ›

Using data from US population it was estimated that, individuals with type 2 diabetes diagnosed at ages 30, 40, and 50 years died on average about 14, 10, and 6 years earlier, respectively, than individuals without the condition.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning? ›

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

Does type 2 diabetes get worse with age? ›

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition and usually gets worse over time.

What's the worst that can happen with type 2 diabetes? ›

These are long-term problems that can develop gradually, and can lead to serious damage if they go unchecked and untreated.
  • Eye problems (retinopathy) ...
  • Diabetes foot problems are serious and can lead to amputation if untreated. ...
  • Heart attack and stroke. ...
  • Kidney problems (nephropathy) ...
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy)

What is the average lifespan of someone with type 2 diabetes? ›

They estimate that among 50-year-olds, life expectancy of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 30 is 14 years shorter than that of their peers without diabetes. Among those diagnosed at age 50, life expectancy is 6 years shorter.

How much weight do you need to lose to reverse type 2 diabetes? ›

Most of the people who reversed their type 2 diabetes lost 30 pounds or more. They also hadn't had diabetes as long as those who weren't as successful. So it's important to get started on a weight loss plan as soon as possible after you're diagnosed.

Are bananas good for diabetes? ›

Though bananas are higher in carbs and sugars than some foods, they also contain fiber and resistant starch that slows down the digestion and release of sugar into your bloodstream. These qualities make bananas a healthy, go-to snack for people with diabetes.

Can diabetics eat bananas? ›

Takeaway. A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

What is the secret to reverse type 2 diabetes? ›

How do you reverse diabetes? The strongest evidence we have at the moment suggests that type 2 diabetes is mainly put into remission by weight loss. Remission is more likely if you lose weight as soon as possible after your diabetes diagnosis.

What is the best fruit for diabetics to eat? ›

Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are among the most nutritious fruits you can eat. Not only are they rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, but research has also linked berry consumption with improved glycemic control.

What foods can diabetics eat freely for dinner? ›

Dinner ideas when you have diabetes
  • lasagne and salad.
  • roast chicken and vegetables, with or without potatoes.
  • beef stir-fry and vegetables, with or without brown rice.
  • chicken tortillas and salad.
  • salmon and vegetables, with or without noodles.
  • curry with chickpeas and brown rice.

Do diabetics on metformin live longer? ›

Many studies show that metformin targets these age-related cell changes. The result: Not only does it help control type 2 diabetes, but over time, people with diabetes taking the drug had lower death rates, better health, and longer lives compared with both diabetic and non-diabetics not taking metformin.

What is the most common cause of death in diabetics? ›

The most common causes of death of patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes are cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Risk factors of death in type 1 DM include cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. Patients die at a younger age due to early onset of the disease.

When is it too late to reverse type 2 diabetes? ›

The strongest evidence we have at the moment suggests that type 2 diabetes is mainly put into remission by weight loss. Remission is more likely if you lose weight as soon as possible after your diabetes diagnosis. However, we do know of people who have put their diabetes into remission decades after diagnosis.

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