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New research shows Type 2 diabetes affects how long you live
More than 37 million US adults have diabetes, and Texas has a higher rate of residents living with the condition (11.1 percent) when compared to the national average of 8.5 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, we are sharing the latest diabetes research and offering solutions for patients at risk for and living with Type 2 diabetes.
New research shows those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are expected to live six years less than those who don’t live with diabetes. For those diagnosed under the age of 30, their life expectancy is reduced by 14 years, according to recent studies released by Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
Similar findings are reported out of two additional sources, the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration and the UK Biobank, citing every decade earlier that Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed, life expectancy was reduced by three to four years.
This alarming information emerges at the same time the CDC is reporting the number of diagnoses of young people is on the rise, and the agency projects that rate will only continue to increase in the future.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors and Prevention
Endocrinologist Kajal Shah, M.D. says it’s important to be aware of the risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes, including:
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history
- Being of minority origin
- Prediabetes
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
“Early intervention and treatment of diabetes can be the answer,” Dr. Shah says. “We’ve seen patients have success with intensive glucose therapy and simple lifestyle changes.”
Dr. Shah encourages anyone with these risk factors to work closely with their doctor to develop a plan to prevent or effectively manage the disease.
To prevent diabetes, our team of endocrinologists recommend the following healthy habits:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay active
- Eat a healthy diet
- Quit smoking
- Control blood pressure
At Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, our team of board certified endocrinologists, certified diabetes educators, and health coaches are focused on your health. We offer a personalized approach and a full range of diabetes services including a medically managed NextStepMD weight loss program, medications, clinical trials, continuous glucose monitoring, and insulin pumps.
For more information on a personalized approach to diabetes management, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endocrinologists by requesting an appointment online or call 512-458-8400.
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