@A DiabetesTeam Member yes our lives are "potentially shortened".

Of course those that do risk analysis for thing like life and health insurance have figured this all out.

On the day that your are diagnosed with Diabetes your life expectancy drops by 15 to 20 years. So for us in North America that puts our potential "expiry date" somewhere in our early to mid 60's.

But that is for someone diagnosed who remains out of control.

The game becomes trying to scratch back those "potentially lost years" and even adding a few. The better control, the more years you add back (until you get to the point where you have done all you can).

Every second your blood sugar is running over 140 (7.8) you are doing some damage to your heart - at least it's pretty tough but just like a boxer, no matter how tough you can only take so many punches to the head before they end up on the mat - staying away from the punches/sugars over 140 will get you to the final bell.

But we can't really get them all back - a diabetes friendly diet means we are "restricting" what we eat which makes if far more difficult to get all the vitamins, nutrients/trace elements that we need.

So on average treating with diet to get back those 20 years we could take 4 years off our expectancy.

But even if you are bad at math you have to figure losing 4 years if preferable to losing 20 😁

Mentioned Users

A Diabete...

Not true, I have had type 1 Diabetes, for many years now, still following my regular routine, to normalize this Diabete; I will be 79 years of age, this coming July, am fit as a fiddle, and, my Doc has told me,as long as I keep doing, my regular Diabetic routine, I will be around ,for many years, to come; don't listen to them scaring tactics, just find a routine that works for you, and, follow it. Some people might have other medical problems, along with the Diabetes, and, that could affect them more; however, just keep doing ,what works for you, and, you will be around, for many, many years; just listen to yourself.

That is not correct. There are a number of people with type 1 in their 80's and still kicking

AMEN!

I asked my doctor if my life would be shortened. He said yes but the truth is most people don’t take care of themselves even if they don’t have diabetes! So their lives are shortened anyway. You know the basics, eat right, exercise, take meds , etc.