Type 2 diabetes may shorten life expectancy up to 14 years, claims study

Type 2 diabetes can shorten a person's life expectancy by decade. Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 30 could potentially reduce an individual's life expectancy by up to 14 years, according to a study conducted by an international team of researchers, a report carried by The University of Cambridge stated.

Even those who receive a diagnosis at the age of 50 may experience a decrease in life expectancy of up to six years.

The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, underscores the critical need for interventions to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes, particularly given the increasing prevalence of the condition among younger adults worldwide. Factors such as rising obesity rates, poor dietary choices, and sedentary lifestyles are contributing to the growing number of type 2 diabetes cases. In 2021, an estimated 537 million adults were living with diabetes globally, with more individuals being diagnosed at younger ages.


Additionally, having type 2 diabetes elevates the risk of developing other health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems, and certain types of cancer.

The researchers arrived at these conclusions through an analysis of data from 19 high-income countries, involving a total of 1.5 million individuals.

Meanwhile, exposure to natural light may help treat and prevent type 2 diabetes, according to a small study. The research, presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Germany from October 2-6, carried out a range of metabolic tests on a group of people with type 2 diabetes when they were exposed to natural light and when they were exposed to artificial light and compared the results, PTI reported.

"The misalignment of our internal circadian clock with the demands of a 24/7 society is associated with an increased incidence of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes," said Ivo Habets of Maastricht University, the Netherlands, who co-led the research.

FAQs

Q1. What is the risk of type 2 diabetes?
A1. Having type 2 diabetes elevates the risk of developing other health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems, and certain types of cancer.

Q2. Does natural light help prevent type 2 diabetes?
A2. Exposure to natural light may help treat and prevent type 2 diabetes, according to a small study.