• Question: Does diabetes reduce the life span of an animal?

    Asked by hollyfelstead to Paul on 27 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Paul Waines

      Paul Waines answered on 27 Jun 2013:

      Hi hollyfelstead-

      In many cases I’m afraid it can, but this can depend so much on the treatment people receive.

      There are two types- Type 1 is when the body can’t produce insulin, and Type 2 is when insulin is still produced, but it doesnt work properly. Most people have this type, and its often linked with poor diet/ lifestyle.

      Its hard to estimate if it reduces life span, because everyone is different. However, scientists have had a go, and reckon that for type 1 it reduces it by about half as much as type 2.

      The good thing is that treatments are improving all the time, so people with diabetes will receive ever improving care…

Comments