A new UK study has found that women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) may live five years less than average, and being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age may reduce life expectancy by more than eight years.

The research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting in Stockholm, examined data from over 12 000 English patients with T2D over a ten-year period and found that the risk of early death was 84 percent higher in people with diabetes.

Women with T2D had a sixty percent increased chance of early death and may live five years less than the average woman, while men with T2D had a 44 percent increased risk of early death and may live four and half years less.

Smoking shortened the life expectancy of people with T2D by 10 years and being diagnosed with T2D before the age of 65 reduced life expectancy by over eight years.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 4.6 million South Africans have diabetes, half of whom are undiagnosed. And at least 95 percent of diabetes is caused by being overweight or obese, an issue that affects half of all South African adults.

Health expert, Vanessa Ascencao says that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and Covid-19 has highlighted the significant burden of the disease, but it can be managed by following a holistic approach to health.

“Optimise your health by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and a healthy weight whether you have diabetes or not. At least 80 percent of people with prediabetes are unaware that they have it, so make sure to follow a healthy diet rich in nutrients and foods as close to nature as possible,” said Ascencao.

“Increase intake of fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, fatty fish, brown rice, legumes and beans. Plan healthy meals ahead, exercise regularly, manage stress, avoid processed and sugary foods, avoid smoking and try high-quality supplements like nutrient-dense, 100% nature-based Marcus Rohrer Spirulina,” she added.

“Studies show that spirulina has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s shown to help balance blood sugar levels and blood pressure in patients with T2D and may reduce blood lipids and triglyceride levels, protecting against heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Marcus Rohrer Spirulina is shown to deliver more key nutrients per serving than any other spirulina,” she said.