Can people with diabetes live long?

Can people with diabetes live long? The answer is yes if the patient adheres to the right disease management measures. In addition, patients need to make positive changes in diet, exercise and stress management are key factors to improve the health and longevity of people with diabetes.

1. Risk of reduced life expectancy in people with diabetes

Before answering the question of whether people with diabetes can live long, we will analyze the risk of reduced life expectancy in people with diabetes. At the same time, we need to consider different aspects of each individual patient.

Risks that can reduce the life expectancy of people with diabetes:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes can lead to many serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness and other complications. These problems not only affect the quality of life but can also shorten the patient’s life.

Research from Cambridge shows that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 30 can lose up to 14 years of their life expectancy. The risk of premature death is significantly increased in younger people with diabetes due to complications and associated health conditions.

Managing diabetes through a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and medication is important to reduce the risk of complications and improve life expectancy. People with diabetes need to adhere to treatment goals to keep their blood sugar levels under good control.

The differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes show that people with type 1 diabetes are living longer than in the past, thanks to advances in treatment and management. However, people with diabetes still have a higher risk of associated health conditions, highlighting the need to develop more effective treatments for both types of diabetes.

Lifestyle is an important factor in determining the health of people with diabetes. People who maintain regular physical activity, eat a healthy diet, and manage stress can improve their quality of life and longevity.

The risk of reduced life expectancy in people with diabetes is a serious problem due to complications associated with the disease. However, adopting disease management measures, a healthy lifestyle, and good medical care can help improve their life expectancy and quality of life.

2. Can people with diabetes live long? How to increase their life expectancy

Can people with diabetes live long? People with diabetes can certainly live long, but this depends on how they manage their disease and their lifestyle. Although diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) can cause many serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage, proper control of the disease can help people with diabetes maintain a healthy life and prolong their life.

Factors that affect the life expectancy of people with diabetes:

• Controlling blood sugar: The most important thing for people with diabetes is to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled high blood sugar over a long period of time can lead to complications, reducing life expectancy.
• Complications: Diabetes can lead to many serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, eye disease (blindness), and nerve disease. These complications can directly affect life expectancy. Research shows that people diagnosed with diabetes at a young age (like 30) can lose years of life if they don’t control their disease well.
• Type of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes-People with this disease depend on insulin to live. Thanks to medical advances, people with type 1 can live long if they manage their disease well. Type 2 diabetes-This type is often related to lifestyle and can be well controlled through diet, exercise, and medication.
• Healthy lifestyle: People with diabetes need to maintain a balanced diet, low in sugar and simple starches, and choose foods rich in fiber and nutrients. Regular exercise helps control weight and blood sugar, thereby reducing the risk of complications.
• Prevention and early detection of complications: Regular health check-ups help detect and treat complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and eye disease early, thereby improving life expectancy.
• So, how many years can people with diabetes live? People with diabetes can live 60 to 70 years or more if they manage their disease effectively, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and adhere to their treatment. Early detection and prevention of complications are key to longevity.

People with diabetes can live longer and improve their quality of life by taking effective measures to manage their disease and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

• Good blood sugar control
  • Regular blood sugar monitoring: People need to check their blood sugar levels regularly to ensure stable levels. Blood sugar levels that are too high or too low can be dangerous.
  • Use medications and insulin as prescribed: Following your doctor’s instructions for taking oral medications or insulin injections is important to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Healthy diet
  • Limit refined carbohydrates and sugar: Avoid fast foods, refined sugars, and starchy foods such as white bread and white rice. Choose high-fiber foods like vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  • Prioritize nutrient-dense foods: Add fruits, vegetables, lean proteins (like fish, chicken), and healthy fats from olive oil or nuts. This helps control blood sugar and prevent weight gain.
  • Control portion sizes: Eat moderate, small meals throughout the day to prevent blood sugar spikes.
• Exercise regularly
  • Exercise regularly: Exercising at least 150 minutes a week (like walking, swimming, or cycling) helps improve blood sugar control, lose weight, and improve cardiovascular health.
  • Strength exercises: Strengthen muscles with exercises like weightlifting or yoga at least twice a week, which help the body process glucose better.
• Manage weight
  • Lose weight if necessary: ​​For people who are overweight or obese, losing 5-10% of their body weight can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications.
  • Maintain a stable weight: Avoid regaining weight after successful weight loss.
• Manage stress
  • Practice relaxation techniques: Stress can increase blood sugar, so practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises will help manage stress effectively.
  • Get enough sleep: Ensuring 7-9 hours of sleep each night helps improve blood sugar management and mental health.
• Take care of your health regularly
  • Get regular checkups: People with diabetes need to see their doctor regularly to check their blood pressure, cholesterol, eyes, kidneys, and other potential complications. Checkups help detect and treat serious problems early.
  • HbA1c test: This is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over 2-3 months. Your doctor will use this number to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
• Control other conditions
  • Control blood pressure and cholesterol: High blood pressure and high cholesterol increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is one of the leading causes of death in people with diabetes. Your doctor may prescribe medication if needed.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of diabetes complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Quitting smoking is an important step toward living longer.

3. Points to note to prolong life for people with diabetes

Some points to note to prolong life for people with diabetes

• Careful foot care: People with diabetes are susceptible to foot injuries, wounds that take a long time to heal. Check your feet daily and see a doctor if there are any abnormalities.
• Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of diabetes complications, including heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps to improve life expectancy.
• Limit alcohol: Drinking alcohol can change blood sugar levels and cause liver problems. People with diabetes need to limit or avoid drinking alcohol.
• Find information and understand the disease: Understanding diabetes and management methods helps patients take the initiative in caring for themselves.
• Join a support group: Connecting with people with the same disease or support programs will help reduce mental stress and provide motivation in the disease management process.

To prolong life, people with diabetes need to manage the disease comprehensively, from blood sugar control, diet, exercise, to managing related diseases and general health care. Adhering to treatment regimens and a healthy lifestyle are the keys to helping people live longer and healthier. If you have health problems, you need to pay attention to finding suitable solutions for early treatment. You need to proactively take care of your health early to live healthy, clear-headed and long.

References: Healthline.com, Health.harvard.edu, Cam.ac.uk, Medicalnewstoday.com, Cdc.gov