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Long-term effects and complications

In general, people with type 2 diabetes have a lifespan that is five to ten years less than those without the disease. The most common long-term effect of type 2 diabetes is damage to blood vessels. ¹³ Because of this, diabetics are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease, which can result in blocked arteries, and eventually lead to a stroke or heart attack. The main cause of death in type 2 diabetes sufferers is cardiovascular disease and associated complications. ⁹

Besides damage to the blood vessels, chronic diabetes may also lead to the following complications: ¹²

• Eye problems including retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts
• Foot problems: These are primarily due to circulation difficulties, which can result in skin infections or deformities to the foot. Because diabetes can damage nerves, you may not feel an injury to the foot until a sore or infection develops. ¹³
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fungal infections of the skin, female genitalia, and urinary tract
• Kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy
• Nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy

The long term complications of diabetes vary depending on the abnormality of your blood sugar levels. Generally, the nearer your blood sugar levels are to normal, the less likely you are to develop long term conditions. In addition, if you counter any risk factors (such as overeating or not exercising) your risk of developing these complications is further reduced. ¹³

One of the most difficult long term effects to come to terms with if you have chronic diabetes is that the disease is for life. This means that in most cases you’ll need to permanently adjust your lifestyle in order to prevent it from getting worse, and to minimise the chance of complications. ³

Incredibly, up to 80% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity. ⁹ In order to keep blood sugar levels under control, even if you’re on diabetes medication, the following guidelines for a healthy lifestyle should be followed:

• Exercise as much as you can on a regular basis, no exceptions, no excuses
• Drink plenty of water to stay adequately hydrated
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat five small, but nutritionally well balanced meals a day, rather than three large ones
• Focus on keeping your blood glucose, and therefore energy levels balanced throughout the day
• Eat fresh, healthy food, and avoid fast food that is high in fat and sugar content

Disease Information

• Angina
• Depression
• Diabetes (Type 2)
• Heart Attacks
• Heart Failure
• High Blood Pressure
• Osteoporosis (Postmenopausal)
• Stroke