Study: Diabetes May Cut Short Your Health Years

Diabetes is a complicated illness. It can strike anyone and comes with several complications. A new study suggests that diabetes may cut one's life expectancy and fewer years without disability.

Diabetes Statistics

According to Diabetes Research, the number of individuals with diabetes continues to grow. In the last decade, the number of diabetic patients increases by 50 percent. There are over 380 million individuals inflicted with diabetes, and the World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, the figure will more than double.

Per the report, diabetes is a huge burden. It is a struggle emotionally, physically and financially. In fact, diabetes costs the American public with over than $245 billion per year.

Diabetes Can Cut Your Life Expectancy

Since diabetes comes with several complications, it is not surprising to learn that this dreaded disease can potentially cut one's life short. A new study in Australia learned that individuals with diabetes have shorter life span and fewer years without disabilities compared to their counterparts, who are diabetes free.

"Most individuals with diabetes are familiar with the classical complications affecting eyes, kidneys, feet and cardiovascular system, but this study highlights another impact, especially about the number of disability-free years which were lost," said Dianna J. Magliano, senior author of the study.

For instance, 50-year-old diabetic men and women had a life expectancy of 30 and almost 34 years respectively, which is three years less than individuals without diabetes. These individuals could also expect 13 years of life without disabilities, which is eight or nine years less than diabetes-free individuals. Also, between men and women, the latter is more likely to spend the remainder of their lives with a disability because they have longer life expectancy.

"Diabetes shortens life expectancy through the development of diabetes complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease," Magliano told Reuters Health by e-mail. "We believe the development of these complications may also influence the development of disability, although the mechanisms are not so clear yet."

However, Magliano also revealed that one could maximize his healthy years by managing sugar, blood pressure and lipids. She also encourages physical activities. A healthy lifestyle can contribute to improving one's condition.

Do you agree that one's lifestyle contributes to one's overall wellness? Do you know anyone with diabetes? How did he or she change her diet and activities? What do you do to keep yourself away from diabetes? Share your thoughts below.