Is Diabetes AGING You Faster Than You Think? (Warning)

Living with diabetes is no walk in the park. The constant blood sugar checks, the strict diet, the worry about every bite you eat—it’s exhausting.

And if you’re one of the millions struggling with this condition, you deserve a round of applause for your daily efforts.

But here’s the hard truth…

Diabetes can affect far more than just your blood sugar. New research shows it could be stealing years from your life—and faster than you might think.

A recent study from Imperial College London has uncovered some startling facts about diabetes and its long-term effects.

The study found that diabetes accelerates the onset of multiple health problems by 15-20 years. That means a 50-year-old with diabetes might have the health issues typically seen in a 65 or 70-year-old without diabetes.

By age 50, about one-third of people with diabetes had at least three other long-term health conditions. These often included high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and asthma.

And for each additional health problem related to diabetes, a person lost about 4 years of life. That means someone with diabetes and three other conditions might lose 12 years of life compared to someone without these issues.

The younger a person was when diagnosed with diabetes, the more severe their health problems became as they aged.

Now, this might sound grim. But remember—these are averages, not guarantees.

The good news is that managing your diabetes well can significantly reduce your risk of developing these additional health problems. Here are some steps you can take:

• Stay on top of your blood sugar: Regular monitoring and sticking to your medication regimen are crucial.
• Move more: Regular exercise can help control blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Don’t skip check-ups: Regular visits to your doctor can catch problems early.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels.

And here’s something else to consider—natural supplements might give you an extra edge in managing your blood sugar. While they’re not a replacement for medication, diet, and exercise, they could be helpful additions to your diabetes management toolkit.

Berberine: This compound, found in several plants, has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest it might be as effective as metformin, a common diabetes drug.

Cinnamon: This common spice might help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Just a half teaspoon a day could make a difference.

Remember, always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re taking diabetes medications.

To beating diabetes,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. A hidden diabetes danger living in your bedroom? Find out here.

Sources:

Pelc, C. (2024, August 8). Diabetes-related health complications can lower life expectancy. Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diabetes-related-health-complications-can-lower-life-expectancy#Why-do-so-many-conditions-co-occur-with-diabetes?