On average, people with diabetes die earlier than people without diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the average life expectancy is 13 years lower and with type 2 four years lower. Life expectancy is related to the extent to which people develop complications. All results come from a recent study by Nivel and RIVM about the situation in the Netherlands – reports it Diabetes Fonds.
The life expectancy in type 1 is on average lower than in type 2, because people with type 1 diabetes often develop diabetes at a younger age and as a result, complications such as cardiovascular disease and damage to eyes, feet, kidneys and nerves arise. Unstable blood sugar over time causes complications. That is why it is important that the blood sugar is often checked and remains within the right values. According to Nivel and RIVM, an average of 39,000 people die each year with diabetes. That is more than a quarter of the total number of deaths.
Developments offer hope. Dr. Erik Serné, internist-vascular medicine/diabetology at Amsterdam UMC, finds the difference in life expectancy between people with and without diabetes shocking, but is hopeful due to various developments. ‘In type 2 diabetes, innovative (lifestyle) treatments can do something about this loss of life years. For type 1 diabetes, the options for early and strict treatment of high blood sugar levels, the main cause of premature death, are improving.’
According to Etelka Ubbens, general director of the Diabetes Fund, the research figures encourage even more awareness about the major consequences of diabetes on your health and quality of life. ‘The figures underline the great importance of scientific research and treatments. Developments are moving fast in the field of innovative tools that help improve blood sugar regulation. That is hopeful and ensures a higher life expectancy and fewer complications.’
Artificial pancreas and poo transplant. An important study financed by the Diabetes Fund is, for example, the kunstalvleesklier. This constantly measures the blood sugar value and if it is too high or too low, the artificial pancreas automatically adjusts. Another study is being conducted by the team of Prof. dr. Dr Max Nieuwdorp that looks at whether poo transplant leads to less low and high blood sugars. This treatment transfers healthy bacteria into the gut of people with type 1 diabetes.
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