“Will type 2 diabetes be cured?” This is the worry of many patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling blood sugar is a lifelong issue for diabetics, who need to pay attention to their diet and use insulin correctly. If blood sugar is properly controlled, diabetes complications can be delayed or reduced, and the lifespan of patients with type 2 diabetes can be extended. Living a normal lifestyle is the most ideal state. The following introduces the average life span of type 2 diabetes, as well as the mentality, methods, and precautions for coexisting with type 2 diabetes.

Average life expectancy of people with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes UK estimates that life expectancy may be reduced by 10 years if you develop type 2 diabetes.

Factors that contribute to the shortened life span of patients with type 2 diabetes include:

Elevated blood sugar over a period of time can lead to the occurrence of diabetic complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and cardiovascular diseases. (Recommended reading: It is very important for people with diabetes to control blood sugar! Prevent diabetes complications with these 10 tips)
High blood sugar is often accompanied by conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which promote poor circulation and further damage to areas such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. In some cases, short-term complications such as hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis can also be fatal.

A 2015 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the risk of death related to type 2 diabetes can be reduced by monitoring blood sugar, taking medication, and paying attention to and detecting abnormalities in the body. .

Among patients with diabetes from 2000 to 2014, the earlier the age of onset, the shorter the average life expectancy, and the greater the gap with the average life expectancy of the general population.

Average life expectancy of people with type 2 diabetes

For women in 2014:

If diabetes is diagnosed at the age of 20, the average life expectancy is 4.9 years shorter than that of the general population.
If diabetes is diagnosed at the age of 40, the average life expectancy of the general population is 2.6 years shorter.
If diabetes is diagnosed at the age of 65, the average life expectancy of the general population is only 0.7 years shorter.

The same is true among men, as follows:

If diabetes is diagnosed at the age of 20, the average life expectancy is 5.6 years shorter than the average person.
If diabetes is diagnosed at the age of 40, the average life expectancy of the general population is 3.2 years shorter.
If diabetes is diagnosed at the age of 65, the average life expectancy of the general population is only 0.2 years shorter.

Living with type 2 diabetes

Maintain regular exercise

Regular exercise helps control blood sugar. It is recommended that patients with type 2 diabetes can engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 2.5 hours a week, or high-intensity exercise for at least 1 hour. Moderate-intensity exercise includes brisk walking, mountain hiking, biking on flat roads, etc., while high-intensity exercise includes running, swimming, mountain biking, etc.

Diet high in fiber and low in oil

Type 2 diabetes diet requires reducing fat intake and supplementing more dietary fiber. For example, replace refined starch with whole grain foods and eat more vegetables. People who are overweight should also reduce their caloric intake, try to choose high-fiber foods, and eat less snacks such as potato chips, biscuits or pastries, which usually contain saturated fat. Choose lean meat instead, such as skinless chicken, eat less processed meat, and steam more instead of frying or pan-frying to reduce excessive fat intake.

Weight loss and weight management

Diabetic patients who are overweight are recommended to lose 5 to 10% of their original weight within one year. Controlling your weight within a standard range can not only help prevent diabetes, but also help diabetic patients successfully control blood sugar.

Release stress

Stress has been identified as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. When we are stressed, the body responds by releasing stress hormones, increasing blood pressure and blood sugar, and stimulating the immune system. At the same time, digestion, growth and repair are slowed down to ensure that the body’s energy can be used to fight or escape the threats faced.

Therefore, continuous stress will make it more difficult to control blood sugar, so it is recommended to practice mindfulness or engage in some stress-relieving activities to reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and hypertension by reducing stress. blood pressure or other mental conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Control blood sugar

In order to avoid the eventual complications of diabetes, it is necessary to regularly control blood sugar, and the methods are usually as follows:

1. Use insulin
   
2. Monitor blood sugar
   
3. Healthy diet
   
4. Sports
   
5. Take medicine

For type 2 diabetes, it is best to maintain the fasting blood glucose level within the target range of 4 to 6 mmol/L (60 to 99 mg/dL), which helps prevent short-term and long-term complications.

However, diet and exercise alone may still not be able to maintain healthy blood sugar, because type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease. If you do not change your lifestyle, such as losing weight and increasing daily activity, the pancreas will secrete more and more blood sugar over time. Less insulin may worsen insulin resistance. Therefore, if type 2 diabetes becomes more severe or reaches a later stage, insulin injections may be necessary to control blood sugar. This means that the body is no longer able to secrete enough insulin on its own.

Generally speaking, at this stage, patients will need to continue taking medications in addition to insulin. If you need medication, be sure to take medications regularly to control blood sugar, or inject insulin as directed by your doctor. You are not allowed to substitute medications or choose other treatments without authorization. Way.

Sometimes medicines may have side effects. If you encounter any problems, please consult your doctor immediately. The doctor will usually prescribe other medicines for you.

How often do I need to go back for a follow-up visit?

It is recommended that patients with type 2 diabetes return for a follow-up visit about once every 1 to 3 months. The doctor will evaluate the condition and adjust medications based on blood sugar levels and glycated hemoglobin. As you age, the types and amounts of food you need to eat will change, and you will need to be checked for signs of complications.

It should be noted that carbohydrates are the most important nutrient that affects blood sugar, so it is important to record the carbohydrate content of each meal to help regulate blood sugar and control the disease.

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