Diabetics have shorter life expectancy and more years with disability, says study
Posted on: 21/Apr/2016 9:29:03 AM
A new study conducted by researchers at the Monash University in Australia has said that men and women who have diabetes have a shorter life expectancy and a fewer years without disability when compared to their peers who do not have diabetes.
Say the researchers, 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. The differential impact of diabetes by sex on life expectancy difference can be explained largely by the fact that women with diabetes had longer life expectancy and significantly higher prevalence of disability, which is consistent with previously reported data for women in general.
Experts who have commented on the study say, Although people with diabetes are living longer now than in the past, diabetes still carries a large risk of other health problems. But, there are wide variations among individuals. Many people develop diabetes and manage it really successfully, have a life expectancy as long as anyone, based on how well they are able to manage it and work with their health system.
Diabetes shortens life expectancy through the development of diabetes complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. We believe the development of these complications may also influence the development of disability, although the mechanisms are not so clear yet. Another important intervention is physical activity, which is of proven value in slowing the decline of physical function, and should be strongly recommended in older people with diabetes, even if obesity and poor glycemic control are not a problem. The other thing that we can do in clinical settings is try to identify people at high risk for diabetes and help them make lifestyle changes.
