Is Type 2 Diabetes Fatal?

According to the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet (the latest year for which such date is available), an estimated 24 million Americans have diabetes, and was the 7th leading cause of death in 2006. Although, overall, twice as many people die from diabetes than those without the illness, if it is detected early and treated and managed properly, those with type 2 diabetes can enjoy much longer lives.

Cardiac Threat

• The risk of heart attack is high among type 2 diabetics. Treatment goals are to control blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as A1C, or average blood glucose level over a 2-3 month span.

Kidney Failure

• The kidneys can become sluggish, or even stop working all together, if blood sugar values remain too high for too long. If not managed quickly, the damage might progress to end stage renal disease.

Brain Issue

• Of every three diabetics, two will die of a heart attack or stroke. High blood cholesterol levels can block arteries and can contribute to "brain attacks," or strokes.

Risk of Infections

• People with uncontrolled diabetes have a high risk of developing infections, which can lead to illness or even death. High blood sugar levels block insulin production, so your body cannot fight back.

Diabetic Control

• While diabetes can be fatal if not well managed, a diabetic can live a long life by following the basics of diabetic control and care. Diabetes is by no means a death sentence.