However, type 2 diabetes can be treated and managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Changing your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can increase your life expectancy with type 2 diabetes.
This article will discuss how type 2 diabetes changes life expectancy. It will also cover how lifestyle changes and medications can help manage the condition.
Life Expectancy
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can shorten your life. Many health complications can stem from diabetes. This includes heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
The life expectancy of someone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 50 is six years less than someone without diabetes.
A 2022 study found that controlling weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels can increase the life expectancy of someone with type 2 diabetes by reducing their risk of complications and death.
The study continued to illustrate improved life expectancy with the following changes:
A1C: Lowering from 9. 9% to 7. 7% improved life expectancy by 3. 4 years. Body mass index (BMI) levels: Lowering from 41. 4 to 24. 3 improved life expectancy by 3. 9 years. Systolic blood pressure: Lowering from 160 to 114 improved life expectancy by 1. 9 years. Low density lipoprotein (LDL): Lowering LDL cholesterol from 146 to 59 improved life expectancy by 0. 9 years.
Lifestyle Changes That Improve Outlook
Diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and improved sleep are all lifestyle changes that can enhance the life expectancy of someone with diabetes. Learn more below.
Diet
Eating a healthy diet with minimal sugar, carbohydrates, and alcohol can help keep blood sugar under control.
Research shows that those at risk for diabetes can reduce that risk by 58% if they lose 7% of their body weight and exercise 150 minutes weekly.
Eating a wide variety of healthy foods can help manage blood sugars and reduce the likelihood of type 2 diabetes complications. These foods include:
Full-fiber grains like oats, brown rice, and whole wheatNonfat and low-fat dairy productsFruits in moderationVegetablesLean meats
Exercise
Moderate-intensity exercise of 150 minutes per week has been shown to improve blood sugar control and lower blood pressure. It may also reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease.
To get the most benefit for blood sugar control, the muscles need to be in a consistent state of increased glucose uptake. This means that there should not be more than 48 hours between exercise sessions.
The exercise doesn’t need to be overly intense. It should be hard to sing but still be able to hold a conversation. while exercising Try changing up your routine to keep it interesting, or joining an exercise class for support.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is one of the causes of type 2 diabetes. Those who smoke cigarettes are 30% to 40% more likely to have type 2 diabetes than those who don’t smoke.
For those who already have type 2 diabetes, smoking makes it harder to manage the condition. Those who do stop find it easier to control their blood sugar.
A study found that women from 50 years to 60 years of age who quit smoking lived about one year longer than those who did not.
Sleep
Not getting enough sleep is associated with prediabetes, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
There is also a connection between type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. Approximately two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes also have obstructive sleep apnea.
Regular, uninterrupted sleep should be a priority as it can help improve insulin sensitivity.
Medications to Manage Diabetes
Lifestyle changes are a large part of improving the prognosis of diabetes. But along with lifestyle changes, people with type 2 diabetes will also likely need medications to manage their condition.
Someone with type 2 diabetes may take several types of medications. They include:
Insulin Glucophage (metformin) Glucotrol (glipizide) Amaryl (glimepiride) GLP-1s SGLT-2
A healthcare provider will work to create the best plan for someone with type 2 diabetes. They will find what works best for that patient to achieve stable blood sugars.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
Someone with type 2 diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar as prescribed by their healthcare provider. They can do this by checking their blood glucose levels. This is done with a finger prick and placing a drop of blood on the blood glucose machine.
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is another option but is typically used in people with type 1 diabetes. A CGM uses a small sensor that tracks blood glucose all day and night.
Taking Care of Your Heart
Diabetes and heart disease are often seen in the same people. By making lifestyle changes like exercise, dietary changes, smoking cessation, and glucose monitoring, people with diabetes can also help their heart health.
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. Lasting lifestyle changes can lower the risk of heart disease and improve life expectancy.
Summary
The prognosis for someone with type 2 diabetes will vary based on various factors, including their lifestyle. Someone who makes positive changes to their weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure may expect to have a longer life expectancy than others who do not make those changes. Lifestyle is not the only factor that can help control blood sugars; medications also play an important factor.
A Word From Verywell
Type 2 diabetes can be an overwhelming diagnosis. If you make significant changes in your lifestyle, you can overcome type 2 diabetes. The condition cannot be cured, but people can achieve remission by losing weight and keeping it off. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan for your situation.
