New research: Diabetes takes toll on life span and quality of life

Recent research published in Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association, found that diabetes is associated with a substantial reduction in life span.

The study sought to quantify the impact of diabetes status on healthy and disabled years of life for older adults in the U.S. and provide a baseline from which to evaluate ongoing national public health efforts to prevent and control diabetes and disability.

Adults with type 2 diabetes die, on average, nearly five years earlier than their peers without the condition, according to research statistics. They also develop disabilities — like losing limbs or toes due to poor circulation — six to seven years earlier than non-diabetics.