Survival of those with type 2 diabetes higher than ever
A Scottish study has discovered that people with type 2 diabetes are living longer. This is compared to ninety years ago where the disease proved fatal to people who usually died within just five years.
The longer survival chance is owed to better blood sugar control among patients: those with poorer blood sugar control were most likely to die from type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This usually happens before age 20. Insulin is needed to get blood sugar (glucose) into cells for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. This damages cells and tissues throughout the body. People who develop type 1 diabetes need to take insulin via shots or a pump for life.
