Do People With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Live Shorter Lives

What is the general type 1 diabetes life expectancy?

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a still an illness that is quite incomprehensible. It is because of this that there is lack of too much data on life expectancy of those suffering from it. Type 1 diabetes is most common in children and can make an appearance in a people up to the age of 25. There are also rare cases where it has affected people who are much older. On an average the type 1 diabetes life expectancy is 20 years less than a normal and perfectly healthy person. However the reasons for death are more often than not other complications that arise from the illness and not the illness itself.

Complications that arise from diabetes

Before insulin began to be used as a treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus, deaths from diabetes along was a very common occurrence. This would happen due to a condition called ketoacidoses. Today, the situation is quite different and it is very rare that people die from it. What has become more common however is death from secondary illnesses like kidney failure, heart attacks, infections and strokes. These are more likely to reduce type 1 diabetes life expectancy today as the complicate the medical condition of the person.

Diabetes and depression

While type 1 diabetes mellitus is a serious disease, it is definitely treatable. However if the patient is prone to suffering from depression as well, the situation is quite different. Diabetes and depression can be a deathly combination. There are also cases where signs of depression begin to make their appearance after a person is diagnosed with diabetes. Psychiatrists and physician have found that when a person suffers from depression, diabetes becomes harder to treat. In cases like these the type 1 diabetes life expectancy is much lower than it would be for normal patients.

Live longer

It is not necessary that the type 1 diabetes life expectancy of every person needs to be drastically reduced. How long a person lives with this condition will depend on how he or she chooses to live. Staying positive and focused is a very big part of staying healthy with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It is also important for the mental well being of the patient. When the person lets the illness get the better of his or her mind, depression begins to set in. Staying fit and following treatment and meals plans properly also keep secondary illness at bay hence reducing the chances of complications.