Question:

I am 58 years old and diagnosed 2 months ago with Type 2 diabetes. How many years, if any, will this diagnosis shorten my life?

Answer:

Although individuals with diabetes are living longer today than in the past, recent studies suggest that a 50 year-old person with diabetes has a shortened life of 8.5 years compared to those who do not have diabetes; if he or she is diagnosed at age 60 years, the shortened life is 5.4 years. Of course, the key to living a longer and healthier life is having good blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control, not smoking, and getting good aerobic exercise.

For more information:

Go to the Diabetes health topic.