Diabetes cut shorts life expectancy by up to 13 years, says study

People over 45 with type 1 diabetes could have their life span cut short by 13 years compared to those without the disease, a new study has found.

The joint study has been done by public health agency RIVM and Nivel, commissioned by the Diabetes Fonds. According to the study, people with heriditary condition were more likely to die between the ages of 40 and 75.

The people with type 2 diabetes which is related to obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, the risk of dying early is high, with life expectancy four years shorter than average.

Rens Vandeberg, head of knowledge and innovation at the Diabetes Fonds, said the figures were “worrying”.

He said the risk of developing the more common type 2 diabetes can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.

“We can all do something about it by eating healthier, exercising more and getting enough rest, and also making sure that the environment we live in is a healthy environment,” he was quoted as saying.