Individuals with type 1 diabetes may have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years less than the general population. Working with your doctor to reduce risk factors can help extend your life expectancy.
Advances in insulin therapy have enabled many individuals with type 1 diabetes to live full, active lives. However, research indicates that even with treatment advances, type 1 diabetes may reduce life expectancy.
Getting proper treatment and making healthy lifestyle choices can extend your life expectancy. Your doctor can talk with you about other ways to reduce risk factors that could negatively affect your life expectancy, too.
Read on to learn more about life expectancy and type 2 diabetes.
One way that type 1 diabetes can shorten your life expectancy is through related complications. For example, people with type 1 diabetes are
- heart disease
- stroke
- kidney disease
- nerve damage
These complications can develop because of damage to organs throughout the body when blood glucose levels are not managed.
Developing one complication can also increase the likelihood of other serious conditions. For example, high blood pressure is
The mental strain of health issues may also contribute to a reduced life expectancy for those with type 1 diabetes. It’s known that having diabetes increases the risk of depression — and for individuals with multiple health conditions, this risk is even higher.
The life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes can vary greatly depending on a number of risk factors. These include smoking, family history, body weight, and other health conditions.
While experts generally agree that type 1 diabetes can reduce one’s life expectancy, it’s not clear by how much.
One 2021 report found that individuals with type 1 diabetes were expected to live 10 to 12 years less than the general population.
However, a
During the second half of the 20th century, the difference in life expectancy for those with type 1 diabetes and those without got smaller.
One reason for this is improvements in insulin therapy and glucose monitoring. These help people better manage their diabetes, reducing their risk of complications.
Thanks to better information about potential risks, individuals with diabetes are also experiencing
If you have type 1 diabetes, it’s important to
- working with your doctor to manage your glucose levels and treat any related conditions
- eating a balanced diet
- exercising at least
150 minutes a week - getting your A1C levels checked regularly
- monitoring your cholesterol and blood pressure
- quitting smoking (if applicable)
- maintaining a moderate weight
If you have type 1 diabetes, it’s a good idea to
- medications or medication changes they would suggest
- the best ways to track your glucose and health progress
- lifestyle changes they recommend
- other specialists you should be seeing
- support groups you could join
- when you should seek help
According to research, people with type 1 diabetes may live 10 to 12 years less than individuals without diabetes.
While improvements in insulin therapy and glucose monitoring have increased average life expectancy, it’s still important to consider lifestyle factors and treatment plans in order to avoid complications.
If you have type 1 diabetes, a variety of lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of associated conditions and improve your overall health. It’s important to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.