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Life expectancy type 2 diabetes

Atlas

Member
Messages
13
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when I was 74 years old; that was within the last 12 months. I had no health problems before that. Sugar tests at my annual 'well man' clinic were negative. I've read that diabetes shortens life expectancy by anything from 10 to 12 years (BUPA web site). The obvious dilemma is that I was already 74 years old when diagnosed. What are the implications for me? I've got it well controlled and I am not a silly billy; breaking all the rules. I know there are diabetics who are older than me and have had the condition for many years but did they acquire the condition in middle age or sooner?

If there is any truth in this then for a younger person his/her demise would presumably be spread out over a long period of time. My theory is that in my case it wil happen quickly. I am otherwise quite fit with an HBA1C of 6 controlled by diet and Metformin.

Sorry to be a bit morbid. My doctor said "where the hxll did you read that"? Apologies to moderators.

Just saying

A
 
I believe some of these stats are suspect. If you have wll controlled blood sugar and to your knowledge haven't suffered any damage to date from high blood sugar then I see no reason wny your life should be shortened. There are many overweight T2s who aren't aware of their diabetes, or ignore it or follow NHS (and BUPA!) guidelines to have starchy carbs with every meal or similar. These people will have shorter lives with possible amputations and eye or kidney damage along the way.
 
I'm 73 and my life is more likely to be shortened by my walking in front of a malevolent bus than by my T2. The oldest whitewater kayaker I know is over 80, the oldest road-race cyclist is nearly 80 and there is a running race where I live up and down cliff paths entered every year by men and women in their 70s. Statistically some of these people are diabetics. I have no intention of going quietly and I suggest you're as young and fit as you decide to feel. Go for it!
 
Providing your diabetes was diagnosed early enough, and you have controlled it well since then and not suffered any damage already, and continue to control it well, you have no reason to fear popping off before your time! It is because too many diabetics are not well controlled (the vast majority of type 2's) or are walking round undiagnosed, that the statistics show a worrying death rate. It is high sugars that cause the complications, so if they are not high and never have been, all is well.
 
Stay positve , stay as fit as you can , and enjoy life as much as you want

All tne data and information does not really stop us worrying though , but does make us more aware to make those changes which are right for us as individuals ....

Problem with ill health , we just don't know the what if or the buts ....I am talking general I'll health now ...

Sounds like you have good insight into things .....best wishes ..Kat
 

DJ

That's very encouraging. I will indeed 'go for it'. I'm so glad I joined this forum.

Cheers

A
 


Best wishes to you, too. Nice welcome all round.

A
 
I was diagnosed at aged 73 last June,I have numb feet at times but nothing else related to diabetes.
I have got my BS under control through diet,but Im to thin and look like a dried prune.
Im a stone lighter than my photo taken last June.
My sister in law died age 68 she was diabetic for 5 years ,she had a new kidney and lost 3 toes,she didnt care what she ate and didnt look after herself.
Im going to die of somthing but its not going to be from diabetes,when I can control it.
 
My mum was diagnosed in her early eighties. She turned 93 a couple of weeks ago. She has gained a bit too much around her middle since she was put on insulin or rather because she as a really really bad nurse who tells her to discard the chicken skin but eat a lot of bread.
 
I am not type 2, but type 1 and have read a lot on the life expectancy issues diabetics face and to be honest it's in my opinion that it's due to years of neglect, and also that many type 2s who develop it already have other health issues.
Diabetes stats are always presented as an average, and many diabetics out there don't take it seriously thus shortening their life (also the stats are based on data collected years ago when treatment and knowledge was less thorough).

If your already 74 and you don't let your sugars stay high you shouldn't have issues.

I doubt you'll loose any noticeable amount of time, don't be fooled though you can develop complications in weeks or months of high sugars, don't think it takes years. Keep an eye on it everyday and set you goals daily to ensure you aren't letting things get away from you
 
I found it very reassuring that a lady I know told me she has had type 2 diabetes for 32 years, she is 82 so she would of been diagnosed at the age of 50. I was diagnosed at the age of 55 nearly 9 years ago.
 
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