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What Is The Lifespan For a Person With Diabetes?
People with diabetes has a shorter lifespan. However, the lifespan depends on how the person takes care of their body. Does anyone know the average lifespan of a diabetic versus a person without diabetes?
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19 Replies
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On average there is a 6 year reduction in life span.
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Wow!!! I guess I need to take my type 2 diabetes seriously. Not eating chicken regardless.
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Six years life reduction for diabetes? Okay, how about smoking, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and drinking. Need a total.
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People with diabetes, especially those with diabetes comorbidity, are more likely to encounter vasoconstriction, kidney failure, etc., as complications increase risk. In the long run, medical attention is a deterrent for them as it becomes harder for them to live longer than average. However, regarding life expectancy, the lifespan fluctuates if you manage the condition well.
Average Lifespan Comparisons
General Statistics
Diabetic Individuals: According to reports, the onset of diabetes appears to lower expectancy by 6-10 years as compared to the general population without diabetes. However, this number can differ depending on the type of diabetes and self-care management.
Non-Diabetic Individuals: Looking at it from a general perspective, men and women without the condition can expect to live anywhere between 79 to 82 years in comparison to them with diabetes as factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and wider healthcare access become variables.
Factors Influencing Lifespan
Management of Diabetes: Regular check-ups, healthy living, and blood sugar level management effectively improve repercussions and longevity. With the increasingly sedentary lifestyles we are moving towards, especially for the younger groups, they must actively take care of their diets and exercise regimes.
Comorbid Conditions: Other conditions, such as hypertension and obesity, can also somewhat decrease expectancy.
Adherence to Treatment: The following plans provided by doctors post-diabetes onset, which comprise medicines and lifestyle changes, play an important part in staying healthier long-term.
Diabetes And Life Expectancy Estimates Estimates Of Life Expectancy
Diabetic individuals’ life expectancy can vary due to several factors. Below is a rough estimation of how diabetes can impact life expectancy according to type.
– Type 1 Diabetes: Between ten to twenty years may be lost in life expectancy, but depending on the care and advancements in treatment, this gap can be reduced.
– Type 2 Diabetes: A rough estimation of life expectancy loss when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is around six to ten years. Factors that can influence this estimation are numerous.
Although type 1 diabetes can have preventable factors, there are still people who manage to lose a significant amount of years in their life expectancy. However, many individuals tend to live a healthy life span. Regular health checks, good eating habits, and treatment plans also help improve and ensure the quality of life needed to ensure a fulfilled life.
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I have developed type 2 diabetes and have turned into type 1, where I take 20 ml of insulin daily by injection. I need to control my eating and lose about 13 pounds. The doctor prescribed me Ozempic injection to take once a week to curb my appetite and lose weight. I heard about the side effects of taking Ozempic, which can cause brain cancer. Can you please tell me more about the negatives and side effects of taking Ozempic injection shots once a week, as well as how effective it is? I have been taking 30 mg of phentermine once a week to no avail.
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Below is a comprehensive overview of Ozempic (semaglutide), focusing on its side effects, potential risks (including brain cancer concerns), and effectiveness for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It is tailored to your situation as someone with type 2 diabetes transitioning to insulin dependency and aiming to lose 13 pounds. The response also addresses your current use of phentermine and gives you some guidance based on available evidence.
Overview of Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
- It is FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- Improve blood sugar control (along with diet and exercise).
- Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in those with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Lower the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular death in those with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
- While not FDA-approved for weight loss, Ozempic is often prescribed off-label for weight management due to its appetite-suppressing effects.
- It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which stimulates insulin release, slows gastric emptying, and signals fullness to the brain, reducing the appetite and effectiveness of Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss.
Blood Sugar Control
Clinical Evidence:
Ozempic is highly effective at lowering blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It reduces hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a measure of average blood sugar over 2–3 months, by 1–2% on average, depending on the dose (0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg weekly). This is more effective in head-to-head trials than other diabetes medications, such as dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Your Situation
Since you’ve transitioned to insulin-dependent diabetes (20 mL insulin daily, likely a typo for units, as insulin is dosed in units), Ozempic can complement insulin therapy by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production by the liver. It may help stabilize your blood sugar, potentially reducing your insulin requirements over time, but your doctor should closely monitor this.
Onset
Due to its long-acting nature, blood sugar improvements typically begin within the first week, with full effects seen after 8 weeks or more.
Weight Loss Clinical Evidence
While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, clinical trials show significant weight reduction as a side effect. Across studies, adults lost an average of 7.1 to 14.1 pounds (3.2 to 6.4 kg) over 30–56 weeks, with some losing up to 15–20% of body weight at higher doses (e.g., 2.4 mg, as in Wegovy, a related semaglutide brand). A 2021 UK study of 1,961 obese adults found that those on semaglutide plus lifestyle changes lost 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% with placebo.
Your Goal (13 Pounds):
- Losing 13 pounds is achievable with Ozempic, especially with diet and exercise.
- The degree of weight loss varies, but about one-third of users lose around 10% of body weight, and some achieve up to 20%.
- For someone starting at 200 pounds, this could mean 20–40 pounds, exceeding your Goal.
- However, individual results depend on adherence to lifestyle changes and dose (typically starting at 0.25 mg weekly, increasing to 1 mg or higher).
Comparison to Phentermine
- You mentioned taking 30 mg of phentermine once weekly with no success.
- Phentermine, a stimulant appetite suppressant, is typically taken daily (15–37.5 mg) for short-term use (up to 12 weeks) due to its potential for dependency and side effects like increased heart rate.
- Its once-weekly use is not standard and likely explains its ineffectiveness in your case.
- Ozempic, by contrast, is a long-acting medication with a different mechanism (GLP-1 agonism vs. stimulant), offering sustained appetite suppression and better alignment with long-term weight management.
Additional Benefits
- Cardiovascular Health: Ozempic reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in those with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Kidney Protection: It lowers the risk of kidney disease progression, which is relevant if you have or are at risk for chronic kidney disease.
- Sustained Use:
- Unlike phentermine, Ozempic is designed for long-term use, making it suitable for chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity
Side Effects and Risks of Ozempic
- Ozempic has various potential side effects, from common and mild to rare and serious.
- Below is a detailed breakdown addressing your concern about brain cancer and other risks.
Common Side Effects
These are typically mild to moderate, often improving within days to weeks:
Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues (most common):
Nausea affects up to 20–30% of users, especially when starting or increasing doses.
- Vomiting: Reported in 5–10% of users.
- Diarrhea: Common, affecting 10–20%.
- Constipation: Seen in 5–10%.
- Abdominal Pain: Less frequent but reported.
- Management: Increase gradually with a low dose (0.25 mg weekly).
- Eating smaller, bland meals and staying hydrated can help.
- Persistent GI issues may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.
- Fatigue: About 6% of users experience fatigue, potentially due to reduced caloric intake or GI side effects.
- Injection Site Reactions: Mild redness or itching at the injection site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
“Ozempic Face”:
- Rapid weight loss can cause facial fat loss, leading to a gaunt appearance with sagging skin.
- This is not unique to Ozempic but occurs with rapid weight loss.
Serious Side Effects
- These are less common but require immediate medical attention:
- Pancreatitis is rare but serious.
- It is characterized by severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting.
- Ozempic is not recommended if you have a history of pancreatitis.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
- It is more likely when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride).
- Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, or seizures.
- Since you’re on insulin (20 units daily), your doctor should monitor your blood sugar closely and may adjust your insulin dose to prevent hypoglycemia.
Kidney Issues:
- Early reports suggested a risk of kidney injury.
- Still, recent studies show Ozempic reduces the risk of kidney failure in type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease.
- If you have kidney problems, discuss this with your doctor.
Gallbladder Issues:
Ozempic may increase the risk of gallstones or inflammation, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
Vision Changes
- Rarely, changes in blood sugar can affect the eye’s lens, causing blurry vision.
- There’s also a small risk of worsening diabetic retinopathy, especially if your diabetes is poorly controlled.
- Allergic Reactions are rare but include angioedema (swelling in the face, lips, or throat) or anaphylaxis.
- Avoid Ozempic if you have a history of severe allergic reactions.
Gastroparesis
- Some reports link Ozempic to delayed gastric emptying (stomach paralysis), which can cause severe GI symptoms.
- A lawsuit claims inadequate warnings about this risk.
Thyroid Cancer Risk (Boxed Warning)Concern
- Ozempic carries an FDA-boxed warning for the risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), based on rodent studies where semaglutide caused thyroid tumors.
- It is not known if this risk applies to humans.
Contraindications
Ozempic should not be used if you or a family member has a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Symptoms to Watch
Please report any lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath to your doctor as soon as possible.
Relevance to You
The risk of thyroid cancer is a concern, but human data are limited, and the risk appears low. Regular monitoring by your doctor is essential.
Brain Cancer RiskYour Concern
- You mentioned that Ozempic may cause brain cancer.
- There is no direct evidence linking Ozempic or semaglutide to brain cancer in humans.
Available Data
- The FDA and clinical trials have not reported brain cancer as a side effect of Ozempic.
- The boxed warning focuses on thyroid tumors, not brain tumors.
- Some research explores GLP-1 agonists’ effects on brain health (e.g., potential neuroprotection against Alzheimer’s).
- Still, no studies confirm an increased risk of brain cancer.
- Posts on X mentioning severe side effects (e.g., @kacdnp91, @Gabepluguez) do not specifically cite brain cancer and are not conclusive evidence.
Critical Note
- Misinformation or conflation of the thyroid cancer warning with other cancers may explain this concern.
- Always verify such claims with your doctor or reputable sources like the FDA or NIH.
Other ConsiderationsWeight Regain
- If you stop Ozempic, you may regain lost weight, as seen in cases like TikTok star Remi Bader, who experienced weight regain and worsened binge eating after discontinuing Ozempic.
Eating Disorders
- Since you aim to control eating, be aware that Ozempic’s appetite suppression could exacerbate disordered eating patterns.
- This is especially true if you have a history of binge eating disorder (common in up to 20% of type 2 diabetes patients).
Pregnancy
- Ozempic is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Stop it at least 2 months before planning pregnancy.
Mental Health
- Early European studies suggested a risk of suicidal thoughts, but the FDA found no clear link.
- A study of 240,000 people found that those on Ozempic were less likely to have suicidal thoughts compared to other weight loss drugs.
- Still, report any mood changes to your doctor.
Long-Term Unknowns:
As noted on X (@DrBPHealth, @PierreKory), the long-term effects of Ozempic are not fully understood, particularly for non-diabetic use or prolonged use.
Managing Side Effects
- Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, increasing as tolerated to minimize GI side effects.
- Monitor Blood Sugar: To avoid hypoglycemia, check blood sugar frequently, especially with insulin use.
- Hydration and Diet: Drink plenty of water and follow a balanced, low-sugar diet to manage GI symptoms and support weight loss.
- Regular Check-Ups: Discuss any symptoms (e.g., neck lumps, severe abdominal pain, vision changes) with your doctor promptly.
- Lifestyle Support: Ozempic’s “My Type 2 Transformation” program offers diet and exercise guidance, which can enhance effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Comparison to Your Current Treatment
- Phentermine Ineffectiveness: Taking phentermine 30 mg once weekly is not standard practice, as its short half-life requires daily dosing for appetite suppression.
- In your case, Ozempic’s once-weekly dosing and sustained GLP-1 effects are likely more effective for appetite control and weight loss.
- Insulin Use: Ozempic can complement your 20 daily insulin units by improving insulin sensitivity.
- However, careful monitoring is needed to adjust insulin doses and prevent hypoglycemia.
Recommendations for YouDiscuss with Your Doctor
- Clarify your diabetes status (type 2 transitioning to insulin dependency may suggest Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) or advanced type 2).
- Ozempic is not approved for type 1 diabetes, so confirm its appropriateness.
- Address the brain cancer concern directly, as it appears unfounded based on current evidence.
- Review your phentermine use and discontinue it, as it may not be effective weekly and could interact with Ozempic (e.g., increased heart rate).
- Monitor for hypoglycemia, given your insulin use.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Follow a structured diet (e.g., Mediterranean diet, per ADA guidelines) to support blood sugar control and weight loss.
- Incorporate exercise (e.g., 150 minutes/week of moderate activity) to enhance Ozempic’s effects.
Monitor Side Effects:
- Watch for GI symptoms, thyroid-related symptoms, or mood changes.
- Report severe symptoms (e.g., pancreatitis, allergic reactions) immediately.
Weight Loss Goal:
Your 13-pound Goal is realistic with Ozempic, diet, and exercise, likely achievable within 6–12 months.
However, weight regain is possible if you stop the medication, so plan for long-term management.
Ozempic is highly effective for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss (likely exceeding your 13-pound Goal), with average weight reductions of 7–14 pounds in trials and up to 20% in some cases.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are usually manageable.
At the same time, serious risks like pancreatitis, hypoglycemia (especially with insulin), and potential thyroid tumors require vigilance.
There is no evidence linking Ozempic to brain cancer, but discuss this concern with your doctor to address any misinformation.
Compared to your ineffective weekly phentermine use, Ozempic’s once-weekly dosing and mechanism are better suited for sustained appetite control and weight loss. Close monitoring and lifestyle changes are critical to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
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Can you please tell me more about ozempic? I heard it was a wonder drug for losing weight and diabetes. Can you please tell me more about it. I am taking 0.25 mg once a week but does nothing to control my appetite.
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Ozempic (generic name semaglutide) is an injectable medication approved primarily for treating type 2 diabetes by helping the pancreas release more insulin and lowering blood sugar levels. It mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which also slows digestion and signals the brain to feel full, reducing appetite.
Although not FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, many people who take Ozempic for diabetes also experience weight loss as a side effect due to its appetite-suppressing effects and slowed gastric emptying. However, appetite reduction and weight loss may be more noticeable with higher doses; starting dose of 0.25 mg once weekly is typically a titration dose meant to reduce side effects and may not strongly impact appetite or weight yet.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, and loss of appetite. These gastrointestinal symptoms often improve after a few weeks. Serious side effects are less common but can include pancreatitis, vision changes, and low blood sugar.
If you’re taking 0.25 mg once weekly and see little effect on appetite control, it may be because this dose is an initial low dose and the medication is usually increased gradually by your healthcare provider to reach therapeutic levels (often 0.5 mg or higher). The appetite suppression effect tends to improve with dose escalation.
Important points about Ozempic:
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It is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss specifically (although a related drug, Wegovy, is approved for weight loss and contains a higher dose of semaglutide).
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Appetite suppression and weight loss responses vary per person.
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Side effects are common but usually mild and temporary.
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It is intended for long-term use.
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If weight loss/appetite control is not happening at the dose you’re taking, talk to your healthcare provider about dose adjustments or alternative options.
If your appetite remains uncontrolled at 0.25 mg, consult your healthcare provider for advice on dose escalation or other strategies.
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Some foods and snacks that can be consumed while managing diabetes include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts such as peanuts, as well as dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, accompanied by healthy snacks like avocado dip, spread, or slices, and whole-grain variants of bread, brown rice, and quinoa.
Fruits
- Fiber-rich and vitamin-rich low-glycemic fruits like apples, oranges, and berries should be added.
- These fruits help with blood sugar levels.
Vegetables
- Bunches of leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, and vegetables of any color, like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini cores, can help with blood sugar.
Nuts and Seeds
- Healthy diabetes snacks such as flaxseeds , walnuts,almonds , and chia seedsshould be consumed for protein, fiber, and healthy fats4,5
Whole Grains
- Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and whole grain bread should be consumed for long-lasting energy and blood sugar control.
Legumes
- Beans, chickpeas, and lentils provide protein and fiber, which can moderate blood sugar levels.
Dairy Products
- Some foods in a balanced diet for diabetics include milk, cheese, and Greek yogurt, which are good sources of probiotics and protein.
Avocados
- Avocados decrease blood sugar levels while also being a source of healthy fats and fiber.
Popcorn
- Air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie fiber snack that can soothe pangs without causing huge blood sugar spikes.
Hummus with Veggies
- Chickpea-based hummus captures little protein and fiber, becoming a balanced snack with veggie sticks.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
- While you said no chicken or poultry, eggs are a useful protein source that can assist with blood sugar.
Pistachios
- These nuts are perfect as a snack for diabetics, as they are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Oatmeal
- Steel-cut or rolled oats are a better choice as they are highly fibrous and blood sugar regulators when eaten in moderation.
Fruit and Nut Butter
- A small piece of fruit and a tablespoon of almond or cashew butter offer a useful combination of carbohydrates, protein, and good fats.
Cottage Cheese
- It is high in protein but can also be eaten with fruit or vegetables for a more balanced snack.
Balsamic Vinegar
- Enhancing the flavor of salads or vegetables with balsamic vinegar may help with insulin sensitivity.
- Salsa and chips, fruit, and other diabetes-friendly quick snacks.
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I started taking ozempic two months ago. I started with 0.25 mg the first month. The second month, my doctor increased it to 0.50 mg. I been taking 0.50 mg for over a months and nothing happened to my appetite. My doctor increased it to 1.0 mg this week. When do you think I will notice appetite loss and heal my type 2 diabetes? I am 5’9″, 210 pounds, and do not exercise. I need to take my weigh loss, and diabetes seriously because it is affecting my heart, lower body, and out of breath often. Thank you.
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While it’s best to speak to a doctor for tailored medical advice, I can provide some general information regarding Ozempic (semaglutide) and its impact.
Ozempic Semaglutide: Information Overview
- Description: Ozempic is a class of medicine called a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- It assists in managing blood sugar levels and encourages insulin secretion while decreasing glucagon secretion.
- Ozempic also slows the emptying of the stomach, which results in a feeling of fullness.
- Weight Change and Time Frame: Many individuals start to see a difference in their appetite and start losing weight after a couple of weeks to months with continued use of a therapeutic dose, which, for most people, is 1mg or more.
- Most people’s bodies respond very differently to the.
Weight Loss and Diabetes
- Ozempic greatly improves lifestyle efforts and is best used with those modifications.
- Type 2 diabetes patients should have a blood sugar monitoring schedule and provide the doctor with guided recommendations.
Recommendations:
- Monitor Your Health: Record any changes in your weight, appetite, and blood sugar levels in a journal.
- This data will assist your doctor in reviewing your treatment plan.
Talk About Your Treatment with Your Health Care Provider
Communicate with your doctor if significant time passes and results are not apparent. Your healthcare provider might change your plan to include new treatment adjuncts for weight and diabetes control.
Make Reasonable Adjustments
- Adding exercise and a healthy diet will increase the efficacy of your treatment.
- Please, don’t hesitate to ask any additional questions or clarifications.
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