A story in U.S. News and World Report says new research suggests the best way for Type 2 diabetes patients to expand their life spans is to avoid kidney disease.
Researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle found that 10-year mortality rates for people with both type 2 diabetes and kidney disease is more than 31 percent.
That number dropped to 12 percent for people with only type 2 diabetes. And for those with neither kidney disease nor Type 2 diabetes, the death rate after 10 years was about 8 percent.
According to the story, type 2 diabetes is characterized by an inability to produce or properly use insulin, which is a hormone needed to convert food into energy. It’s long been associated with an increased risk of death, especially from cardiovascular disease. Kidney disease is also common in people with the condition.
Some treatments for type 2 diabetes have also been identified as potential health threats. For example, studies have linked the type 2 diabetes medications Januvia and Byetta to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Byetta has also been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
U.S. News and World Reports says about 26 million people have diabetes in the United States.
The lead researcher for the study said prevention efforts should focus on people who have diabetes but not kidney disease. For example, the biggest risk factor for kidney disease is uncontrolled blood sugar.
You should consult with a doctor if you have any ongoing symptoms or health concerns, and before making any changes in medication. You should also consult with a Lopez McHugh attorney if you or a loved one was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after taking Januvia or Byetta.
See the story here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21184232
