What is the life expectancy of a person with diabetes?

Author: Prof. Jolie Cruickshank  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

Life expectancy is known as the number of years a person is expected to live. At age 50, life expectancy is 6 years shorter for people with type 2 diabetes than for people without diabetes. By meeting type 2 diabetes treatment goals, life expectancy can increase by 3 years, or for some, as much as 10 years.

How long can you live with diabetes?

Amongst those who are currently 65 years old, the average man can expect to live until 83 years old and the average woman to live until 85 years old. People with type 1 diabetes have traditionally lived shorter lives, with life expectancy having been quoted as being reduced by over 20 years.

What does diabetes burnout look like?

Four major themes associated with diabetes burnout are: (i) feeling mentally drained and physically tired of dealing with self-care; (ii) experiencing a disconnection from self, diabetes concern, and support systems; (iii) being impotent and paralyzed to get away from diabetes burnout; (iv) potential contributing ...

What is it like living with type 2 diabetes?

Poor blood sugar (glucose) management can also result in irritability, mood swings, and physical symptoms such as hunger and lightheadedness. Identifying where you can make healthy changes in your lifestyle and management plan can help improve your overall well-being.

What is the life expectancy of a Type 1 diabetic?

This contention is supported by a number of epidemiological studies confirming a trend towards premature death, primarily due to cardiovascular disease. However, a subset of type 1 individuals survives for many years, living for over 50 years or more with type 1 diabetes.

Life Expectancy for Diabetes

What is the leading cause of death in type 1 diabetes?

End-stage renal disease (ESRD), historically, is the leading cause of death in the mid-years of diabetes duration (up to 35 years), accounting for more than half of deaths. After 35 years duration, however, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, accounting for two-thirds of deaths.

What three drinks should diabetics avoid?

What are the worst drinks for diabetes?
  • Fruit juice (unless treating low blood sugar)
  • Sweetened coffee or tea.
  • Sweetened sports drinks and energy drinks.
  • Regular soda.

What is the most common cause of death in type 2 diabetes?

Cancer has been identified as a predominant cause of death among individuals with type 2 diabetes in some studies. However, the nuances of this association, encompassing cancer types and sex-specific influences, remain inadequately elucidated.

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

The strongest research we have – from a study called DiRECT – shows that the best chance that people living with overweight and obesity have of putting their type 2 diabetes into remission is to lose around 15kg of weight quickly and safely.

What organ is metformin hard on?

This is because metformin can build up in the body if your kidneys aren't able to get rid of it properly. Other health conditions, such as liver disease and heart failure, can also increase your risk of lactic acidosis, a potentially severe but rare metformin side effect.

Why do diabetics get so angry?

Among diabetic, higher blood glucose, or hyperglycemia, has historically been associated with anger or sadness, while blood sugar dips, or hypoglycemia, has been associated with nervousness. Persons with diabetes are not the only ones vulnerable to mood disturbances as a result of blood sugar fluctuations.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning?

Drinking enough water is important for everyone, but it's especially important for people with diabetes. Aim for at least eight cups of water per day and try to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.

What is a diabetic crash like?

Sugar crashes generally cause us to be incredibly distracted throughout the day, which leads to a lack of productivity and concentration. Confusion, abnormal behavior, the inability to complete routine tasks and blurred vision are also common symptoms, especially for those who have diabetes.

Why do doctors no longer recommend metformin?

"Metformin, however, can cause lactic acidosis in conditions where lactic acid production is high and the disposal of lactic acid is reduced. In conditions such as circulatory failure, sepsis, and anoxia or hypoxia, metformin use may result in lactic acidosis and should be avoided.

What reduces life expectancy?

Further lifestyle risk factors that significantly reduce a person's life expectancy include: obesity* (3.1/3.2 years), excessive alcohol consumption** (3.1 years, men only), and a high intake of red meat (2.4 years in women; 1.4 years in men).

Will losing 20 pounds lower A1C?

“The ADA states that moderate rate reduction of 5% to 10% of your body weight can significantly lower your A1C level,” says Seymour. “So, for instance, for a person weighing 200 pounds, a weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds could make a difference.”

Is diabetes a disability?

The short answer is "Yes."

Under most laws, diabetes is a protected as a disability. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are protected as disabilities.

Can your pancreas start working again with type 2 diabetes?

Pancreatic beta cells that do not produce sufficient insulin in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are not permanently damaged during the early stages of the disease and can be restored to normal function through the removal of excess fat in the cells, according to a study entitled “Remission of Type 2 Diabetes for Two ...

What is the number one killer of diabetes?

Long-term diabetes complications

Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) issues are the most common type of long-term diabetes complication. They include: Coronary artery disease. Heart attack.

What food is the main cause of diabetes?

Sugary drinks. Refined carbs like white bread, white rice and sugary breakfast cereal. Red and processed meats like ham and sausages. Salt, particularly in processed food, (increases blood pressure which increase risk of type 2 diabetes)

What food is the number one enemy of diabetes?

Top foods and drinks to avoid with diabetes
  1. Sweetened drinks. What do most regular sodas, fruit punches and iced teas have in common? ...
  2. Specialty coffee drinks. ...
  3. Whole milk. ...
  4. Hot dogs. ...
  5. Pre-packaged lunch meat. ...
  6. Sweetened cereals. ...
  7. Regular pancake syrup. ...
  8. Sherbet.

What is the golden drink for diabetes?

Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk, and haldi doodh in hindi, is a traditional Indian drink that has become a beloved health tonic worldwide. Served warm in a mug, the result is a bright yellow creamy drink that is anti-inflammatory and can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce risk of several diseases.

How can I flush sugar out of my system fast?

Drinking water and staying hydrated is important for managing blood sugar, also known as blood glucose. “Water helps your kidneys filter out excess sugar through urine,” says Khan. “So, the more hydrated you are, the more urine production you'll have, which flushes out sugar in the body.”

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