How to Live Longer with Type 2 Diabetes | Diabetes

What did this study investigate?

The study measured the increase in life expectancy for people with type 2 diabetes who achieved four different treatment goals. Researchers divided study participants into six groups based on gender and three age groups. People with diabetes can use the results to predict their own increase in life expectancy.

Terms to know

Body Mass Index (BMI) A unit of measurement for weight based on height.

Hemoglobin A1C, or A1Cis a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol can build up in blood vessels and cause damage to their walls.

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) It measures the force with which blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Blood pressure is measured as upper and lower numbers, with SBP referring to the upper number.

research result

By controlling your weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol Increase life expectancy by 3 years For the average person with type 2 diabetes: For those with the highest levels of BMI, A1C, LDL, and SBP, lowering these levels could add over 10 years to their life expectancy.

The life expectancy gain from achieving treatment goals in this study was greatest in adults aged 51 to 60 years compared with adults aged 61 years or older.

Of the four treatment goals studied, reduction in mean BMI was associated with the greatest increase in life expectancy, followed by reduction in A1C.

This study may have underestimated the benefits of weight loss because weight loss is often associated with other treatment goals. Weight loss must be maintained long-term to improve longevity.

What is important about this study?

Living successfully with diabetes involves more than just managing blood sugar levels. Diabetes management also has to do with weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. This study shows how people with type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk of complications and live longer.

These findings can help people with diabetes and their physicians decide which treatment goals will have the most impact on life expectancy. Decision makers can use this research to help inform the U.S. diabetes program.