by: October 8, 2023
(NaturalHealth365) Type 2 diabetes has become more prevalent in recent decades, especially among those in their 20s and 30s. As our understanding of this condition deepens, it becomes increasingly evident that its onset can have profound implications for longevity.
In particular, developing type 2 diabetes before the age of 30 is especially dangerous. This finding was highlighted in a recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
Insights from a comprehensive study reveal how diabetes affects life expectancy
The aim of this extensive study was to investigate how life expectancy is influenced by the development of type 2 diabetes at various ages. This large-scale observational study encompassed a population of 23 million individuals residing in high-income countries.
The study delved into data sourced from the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration, spanning baseline years from 1961 to 2007. The median follow-up period extended between 1980 and 2013. Additionally, valuable insights were drawn from the United Kingdom Biobank, a substantial repository of medical records encompassing half a million residents in the United Kingdom.
Type 2 diabetes diagnosis at 30 may result in 14-year drop in life expectancy
Taking a closer look at the study’s outcomes, it becomes evident that the age at which type 2 diabetes develops plays a significant role in mortality risk, irrespective of the underlying cause. Notably, the study reveals that the majority of the reduction in life expectancy attributed to diabetes is associated with vascular-related deaths, including conditions like strokes and heart attacks.
Analyzing the data paints a striking picture: an average 50-year-old diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 30 in the United States experiences a life expectancy reduction of approximately 14 years. Similarly, those diagnosed at 40 see their life expectancy diminish by about a decade compared to non-diabetics. For individuals diagnosed at 50, the average reduction in life expectancy is around six years.
For those residing in the European Union, the statistics show a somewhat different perspective. On average, individuals with diabetes in the EU experience a life expectancy reduction of five years when diagnosed at 50, nine years when diagnosed at 40, and a staggering 13 years when diagnosed at 30.
When we consider these findings collectively, a discernible pattern emerges: each decade earlier at which type 2 diabetes is diagnosed is associated with a decrease in life expectancy of approximately 3.5 years.
Try these effective methods to prevent diabetes
The effectiveness of diabetes prevention methods can vary from person to person, but here are four methods that have been widely recognized as highly effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes:
Maintain a healthy organic diet: Eat a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to lower your risk of diabetes. Focus on portion control and limit the intake of sugary and highly processed foods.
Regular exercise: Engage in regular exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or strength training, to improve insulin sensitivity and help manage body weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Weight management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetes. Even modest weight loss can reduce diabetes risk. Combining a healthy, organic diet with regular exercise is key to weight management.
Monitor blood sugar levels: Regularly check your blood sugar levels, especially if you have risk factors for diabetes. This can help detect prediabetes or early-stage diabetes. Early intervention and lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the progression to full-blown diabetes.
Remember that diabetes prevention is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Individual factors, such as genetics and personal health history, can play a role. Therefore, it’s best to consult with an integrative healthcare provider or health coach for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your specific situation.
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