People with diabetes die earlier than people without diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetes, life expectancy is four years lower, with type 1 it is even thirteen years. Life expectancy depends on the complications diabetics experience. This is the conclusion of Nivel and the RIVM after a recent study.
People with type 1 diabetes have lower life expectancy on average because they develop the disease at a young age and therefore develop complications much earlier. Think of cardiovascular disease and damage to kidneys and nerves. An unstable blood sugar over a long period of time causes complications. It is therefore important that blood sugar is checked often and remains within the correct range. According to Nivel and RIVM, an average of 39.000 people die every year with diabetes. That is more than 25 percent of the total number of deaths.
New developments
Erik Serné, internist in vascular medicine/diabetology, finds the difference in life expectancy between people with and without diabetes shocking, but is hopeful about new developments. “Innovative (lifestyle) treatments for type 2 diabetes can address this loss of years of life. For type 1 diabetes, the options for early and strict treatment of high blood sugar levels, the main cause of premature death, are improving.”
Importance of research
According to Etelka Ubbens, general manager of the Diabetes Fund, the research figures encourage more awareness about the consequences of diabetes. “The figures underline the great importance of scientific research and treatments. Developments are moving rapidly in the field of innovative aids that help improve blood sugar regulation. This is encouraging and ensures a higher life expectancy and fewer complications.”
Artificial pancreas and poop transplant
For example, an important research that the Diabetes Fund finances is the artificial pancreas. This constantly measures the blood sugar level 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. Max Nieuwdorp who examines whether poop transplantation leads to fewer low and high blood sugars. This treatment transfers healthy bacteria into the intestines of people with type 1 diabetes.
In the Netherlands, more than 1,1 million people have diabetes. This concerns 110.000 people with type 1 diabetes and 1.050.000 people with type 2 diabetes. The number of diabetics is growing. By 2040, the number is expected to grow to 1.300.000.