Diabetes and Aging

In addition to  the normal things like using sun block, getting almost daily exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate rest, there is an extra factor in thrown into the equation if you have diabetes.  Prolonged elevated blood sugar can damage the inside of the body. One thing I have learned in my 14+ years of practice in diabetes is how tough and unforgiving the disease can be on the human body.

 We know the typical signs of highs and lows like damage from prolonged elevated blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and heart attacks. Did you ever, in your wildest dreams imagine it could cause you to age more quickly as well? 

I have seen several patients who of which bring their spouse with them to appointments. This is actually recommended because two people often remember more material taught than one. Generally, they appear to be the same age or close in age. Over time, the spouse with diabetes begins to appear noticeably older. I know this sounds awful and cruel at the same time. With a quick glance the spouse with diabetes appears to look roughly 20 years older! More gray hair, more wrinkles, dwindling health, the list goes on.

So not only does diabetes have the capability to destroy the inside of the body but now it seems to have shown effects on the outside as well.

Studies show individuals with heart disease live an average of 10 years less when compared to individuals without heart disease. Studies also show having mere obesity can reduce life expectancy by 10 years. Interestingly, even mild obesity reduces life expectancy by 3 years. Both heart disease and obesity are commonly found with diabetes.  This is just another reason why good blood sugar control is so important.