Care Improving for Type 1 Diabetes
Gap in Life Expectancy Between People With Type 1 Diabetes and General Population Narrowing, Study Finds
Reviewed by
Laura J. Martin, MD
June 27, 2011 (San Diego) -- The life expectancy for people with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes has improved dramatically since 1950, according to results of a 30-year study. And the survival gap between people with type 1 diabetes and the general population in the U.S. appears to be rapidly diminishing, the study found.
"While type 1 diabetes mortality rates have decreased over time, how this translates into improvements in life expectancy has been unclear," says Trevor J. Orchard, MD, professor of epidemiology, pediatrics, and medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
So Orchard and colleagues examined data from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complication study, a long-term study of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.
They compared two groups based on year of diabetes diagnosis: 390 people diagnosed between 1950 and 1964 and 543 people diagnosed between 1965 and 1980.
People diagnosed with diabetes between 1965 and 1980 lived approximately 15 years longer than those diagnosed between 1950 and 1964 (53.4 years vs. 68.8 years).
The estimated 15-year life expectancy improvement between the two groups persisted regardless of gender or age at diagnosis, Orchard says.
Meanwhile, the life expectancy of the general U.S. population increased less than one year during the same time period.
The life expectancy of a population as a whole tends to change slowly, while that of a group with a particular condition or illness may improve rapidly from advances in screening and treatment.
Orchard attributes the increase in life expectancy among people with type 1 diabetes to a combination of factors, most notably improvements in treating diabetes-associated kidney disease and better blood glucose testing that allows more people to be diagnosed earlier.
Robert Henry, MD, president of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), tells WebMD that he credits better technology, such as insulin pumps that allow patients to achieve better control of their blood sugar.
Gap to Continue to Narrow
Other findings of the study, presented here at the 71st Scientific Sessions of the ADA:
- The life expectancy of people diagnosed in the earlier time period was about 18 years less than that estimated for the U.S. general population at that time (71.5 years).
- In contrast, there was only a four-year gap in life expectancy between people diagnosed in the latter time period and the U.S. general population (72.4 years at that time).
- The 30-year mortality rate of participants diagnosed with type 1 diabetes from 1965 to 1980 was 11.6% -- a significant decline from the 35.6% 30-year mortality of people diagnosed between 1950 and 1964.
Henry predicts that the gap in life expectancy rates will continue to narrow in years to come.
"Hopefully we'll have a closed-loop insulin pump system within 10 years," he says. Often referred to as an artificial pancreas, the pump will continuously monitor blood sugar levels and adjust insulin delivery automatically.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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