ALS Life Expectancy. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from the time of diagnosis. However, it varies greatly: Over 50 percent of people with ALS live more than three years. Twenty percent live five years or more. Ten percent live 10 or more years. Five percent will live more than 20 years.
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When the HIV and AIDS epidemic began in the United States in the 1980s, HIV was a life-threatening condition. However, people can now manage it as a chronic health condition, much like they would diabetes or heart failure.
In this article, we examine developments in managing and treating HIV, as well as the long-term outlook.
Recent improvements
Antiretroviral therapy has increased life expectancy for people living with HIV.
The increase in life expectancy for people living with HIV has direct links to improvements in medical therapy, which includes antiretroviral medications.
These medications help suppress levels of HIV in the blood and slow damage resulting from the infection. This suppression helps prevent progression from HIV to AIDS, or stage 3 HIV.
In the 1980s–1990s, antiretroviral therapy began as monotherapy, then it became dual therapy. Now, there is combination antiretroviral therapy, which includes using three or more drugs.
There are several classes of antiretroviral drugs that attack HIV in different ways. Combinations of drugs are the first-line treatment. People typically start antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible after a diagnosis of HIV.
A 2017 study in the journal AIDS found that the additional life expectancy for people with HIV at age 20 during the early monotherapy era was 11.8 years. However, that number rose to 54.9 years for the most recent combination antiretroviral era.
Researchers also concluded that people with HIV with higher education had a similar life expectancy to the general population.
Future treatment options
Cardiovascular disease is becoming common in people with long-standing HIV infection.
Researchers continue to work on a cure for HIV. In the meantime, combination antiretroviral therapy preserves the health of a person with HIV. It does this by suppressing the virus in the blood to undetectable levels. It is important for the person to follow their therapy plan precisely.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now report that when a person taking antiretroviral therapy has a negative viral load in their blood, the risk of transmitting the virus to a person without HIV is essentially zero.
This discovery takes researchers to a notion of 'treatment as prevention,' which promotes well-controlled HIV as a way to prevent transmission through sexual contact, needle sharing, and childbirth and breastfeeding.
Because people with HIV are living much longer, they are starting to face the same health issues as other older adults.
In fact, differentiating Alzheimer's disease from HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders is becoming an emerging issue in the population of older adults living with HIV.
Even with the advances in antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV may experience long-term side effects of either the therapy or HIV itself.
Conditions common in long-standing HIV infection include:
- cardiovascular disease
- lung disease
- certain cancers
- HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
- liver disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C
HIV also appears to increase chronic inflammation in the body, putting a person at risk of certain health conditions. However, more research is necessary to better understand this.
Antiretroviral medications have links to both short- and long-term side effects. Most side effects are manageable but can become serious. A person should speak with their healthcare provider about side effects that are of any concern.
Long-term effects from antiretrovirals can include:
- kidney failure
- liver failure
- high blood cholesterol levels
- lipodystrophy, or changes in how the body stores fat
Outlook
A person with HIV should work closely with their healthcare provider.
Life expectancy for people living with HIV has seen great improvement in recent years. In fact, a person who currently has HIV can expect to add many years to their life once they start combination antiretroviral treatment.
A 2017 study in the journal HIV Medicine indicates that a person with HIV living in a high-income country would add 43.3 years to their life expectancy if they receive a diagnosis at age 20.
Without adequate treatment, however, HIV can quickly start to damage cells in the immune system.
It is important for a person living with HIV to stick to their treatment plan to keep the virus suppressed in the blood. It is also essential for the person to work closely with their healthcare providers on a regular basis and maintain all other aspects of their health and well-being.
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Article last reviewed by Wed 30 January 2019.
Visit our HIV and AIDS category page for the latest news on this subject, or sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on HIV and AIDS.
All references are available in the References tab.
Visit our HIV and AIDS category page for the latest news on this subject, or sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on HIV and AIDS.
All references are available in the References tab.
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Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). (n.d.). https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/glossary/3/acquired-immunodeficiency-syndrome
Aging with HIV. (2017). https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/living-well-with-hiv/taking-care-of-yourself/aging-with-hiv
Gueler, A., et al. (2017). Life expectancy in HIV-positive persons in Switzerland: Matched comparison with general population. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302412/
Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents living with HIV. (2018). https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescent-arv/11/what-to-start
HIV medicines and side effects. (2018). https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/22/63/hiv-medicines-and-side-effects
HIV treatment as prevention. (2018). https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/art/index.html
HIV treatment overview. (2017). https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/hiv-treatment/hiv-treatment-overview
McCray, E. & Mermin, J. H. (2017). Dear colleague: September 27, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/dcl/dcl/092717.html
Milanini, B. & Valcour, V. (2017). Differentiating HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders from Alzheimer's disease: An emerging issue in geriatric neuroHIV. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5823609/
Teeraananchai, S., et al. (2017). Life expectancy of HIV-positive people after starting combination antiretroviral therapy: A meta-analysis [Abstract]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27578404
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Other influential factors include the severity and progression of symptoms, any complications, and how the body responds to treatment.
When they get a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, many people ask how it will affect the length of their life. Diabetes is complex, with many variables and possible complications, and each person is different. It is hard to know how the condition will affect an individual's life expectancy.
However, it appears likely that, with an early diagnosis and effective management, many people can expect to live as long as those without diabetes and to have a good quality of life.
This article will look at the factors that influence a person with type 2 diabetes' life expectancy and how to maximize it.
Life expectancy with type 2 diabetes
On receiving a diagnosis of diabetes, people often want to know if it will affect their life expectancy.
Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition with many variables. At the time of diagnosis, the doctor will not be able to tell how the condition will affect a person's life expectancy.
A 2010 report from the United Kingdom estimated that type 2 diabetes reduced life expectancy by up to 10 years, while type 1 diabetes reduced it by at least 20 years, on average.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014 and in the United States, the average life expectancy at birth for males was 76.4 years. For females, it was 81.2 years.
CDC research also showed that 25 people in every 100,000 died from causes related to diabetes in 2000. By 2014, the same figure fell to about 21 people in every 100,000.
The CDC estimated that 24.8 people in every 100,000 died of diabetes-related causes in 2016. They noted that diabetes was the seventh most common cause of death in the U.S.
It is important to note that the CDC figures do not distinguish between types of diabetes. Also, they do not indicate the effect that the condition has on a person's lifespan.
A 2012 Canadian study calculated the effects of diabetes on life expectancy at 55 years of age. They found that the disease caused an average reduction of 6 years in females and 5 years in males.
In 2015, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that the following could reduce the risk of death linked to type 2 diabetes:
- screening
- medications
- better awareness
The European Heart Journal published, in 2008, a study that estimated outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes and the effects of intervention methods, such as lifestyle changes and medications.
The range of estimated life expectancies is wide, depending on a person's age, lifestyle factors, and treatments.
At that time, for example:
- A 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes could expect to live for another 13.2–21.1 years, while the general expectancy would be another 24.7 years.
- A 75-year-old male with the disease might expect to live for another 4.3–9.6 years, compared with the general expectancy of another 10 years.
These figures and findings reflect:
- how varied life expectancy is for people with diabetes
- how this estimation can change, depending on medical intervention
For example, a person who does not manage their glucose levels effectively, who smokes, and who does not exercise likely has a shorter life expectancy than a person with a healthful, active lifestyle, who does not smoke and who maintains stable blood glucose levels.
In 2017, the American Diabetes Association noted in a report on standards of care that diabetes is a 'complex, chronic illness requiring continuous medical care with multifactorial risk-reduction strategies beyond glycemic control.'
While new medications and screening techniques continue to improve diagnostics and treatment, a move toward personalized strategies is also underway. These can all contribute to a better outlook for people with diabetes.
What increases the risk?
A healthful diet with plenty of fiber can help improve the life expectancy of people with diabetes.
A wide range of health and treatment factors affect diabetes' impact.
Anything that worsens diabetes or increases the risk of developing it is likely to also shorten the life expectancy of a person with the disease.
Common risk factors that can decrease life expectancy in people with diabetes include:
- being overweight or having obesity, particularly if it involves excess fat in the abdomen
- having a diet that is low in fiber and high in sugar, fat, and salt
- smoking
- engaging in low levels of physical activity
- getting little sleep
- having high levels of stress
The following health issues can have the same effect:
- cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and a history of stroke
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- high cholesterol levels
- infections
- ulcer or gastrointestinal conditions
In addition, the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely it is to reduce life expectancy.
Likewise, the younger a person is when they receive the diagnosis, the higher the risk that diabetes-linked complications will shorten their lifespan.
However, making healthful lifestyle changes can go a long way toward reversing diabetes in its early stages and preventing a person from developing it altogether.
Here, find out more about prediabetes, which is the earliest stage of the disease and often reversible.
Impact of cardiovascular disease
High blood sugar levels put stress on the body and can damage the nerves and small blood vessels, decreasing circulation.
This means that the heart has to work harder to deliver blood to the body's tissues, especially those furthest away, such as in the feet and hands.
The increased workload damages the heart's own blood vessels. This can cause the heart to weaken and eventually fail.
A lack of blood reaching the body's other organs and tissues starves them of oxygen and nutrition, which can cause them to die. Doctors refer to this as necrosis.
The American Heart Association (AHA) estimate that adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to experience fatal heart disease than those without diabetes.
Among people aged 65 or older with the disease, the AHA report that:
- around 68 percent will die from heart disease
- some 16 percent will die as the result of a stroke
10 tips for better life expectancy
Recommendations for increasing life expectancy in people with diabetes are similar to management and prevention tips.
1. Eating healthfully
A person should limit the consumption of foods that contain simple sugars, such as juices and candies, as these can cause blood sugar spikes.
Also, it is better to eat complex, rather than simple, carbohydrates. These are in whole grains and legumes, for example.
People should also limit their alcohol intake. A doctor will advise on diet and alcohol consumption.
2. Exercising
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommend that adults get at least 150–300 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise each week, such as brisk walking or dancing.
3. Losing weight
In people with excess weight, losing 5–10 percent can significantly reduce the impact of diabetes.
4. Monitoring and treating blood sugar levels
Tracking these levels allows a person to identify peaks, and they can then address the cause. Also, medications such as metformin can help stabilize blood sugar levels, but only if a person takes them as the doctor prescribes.
5. Following the treatment plan
This includes attending regular screenings and following the doctor's instructions about lifestyle strategies and medications.
Blood glucose monitoring kits are available for purchase online.
6. Managing cardiovascular risks
Many health conditions can increase the effects of diabetes, such as kidney and heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death among people with diabetes.
For people with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, 2018 guidelines recommend that doctors prescribe medications for these issues as part of an overall diabetes treatment plan.
7. Preventing infections
Regular hand-washing can reduce the risk of infections.
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing infections, such as influenza, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
An infection that is relatively minor in a person without diabetes can become life-threatening in a person with the disease.
Also, skin wounds can take longer to heal, and if they become ulcerated, amputation may be necessary. This can reduce a person's life expectancy, according to the research charity Diabetes UK.
To prevent these complications:
- practice good hygiene, including hand-washing
- get routine vaccinations to protect against the flu and other illnesses
- check the feet and the rest of the body regularly for wounds that may need attention
- seek medical help early for infections, including chest infections
8. Reducing stress
Stress stimulates the release of hormones that can raise blood sugar and interfere with insulin regulation. Yoga, meditation, and speaking with a mental health professional or counselor can help combat stress.
9. Other healthful lifestyle choices
These include getting enough sleep and refraining from smoking.
10. Learning about diabetes
Learning how to manage diabetes can improve a person's quality of life and lower the risk of complications.
A 2016 meta-analysis that included data from over 13,000 people found that those who engaged in self-management diabetes plans appeared to have longer life expectancies than those who did not.
Learning about the condition can equip people to manage their diabetes more effectively than if they are solely dependent on their healthcare provider.
In a self-management education program, a person learns the skills they need to manage their condition. This can improve quality of life, reduce costs, and reduce the risk of complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Anyone interested should ask a doctor about programs in their area.
Outlook
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications.
However, by adopting effective management strategies, there is a good chance that many people with type 2 diabetes can expect to live as long as a person without the condition.
A person should learn as much as possible about the condition, follow their treatment plan, maintain an active lifestyle and healthful diet, refrain from smoking, and receive prompt treatment for complications, such as infections and cardiovascular disease.
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Article last updated by Yvette Brazier on Wed 27 March 2019.
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Wing, R. R., et al. (2011). Benefits of modest weight loss in improving cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/34/7/1481
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Huizen, Jennifer. 'Type 2 diabetes and life expectancy.' Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 27 Mar. 2019. Web.
24 Jun. 2019. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317477.php>
Huizen, Jennifer. 'Type 2 diabetes and life expectancy.' Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 27 Mar. 2019. Web.
24 Jun. 2019. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317477.php>
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Huizen, J. (2019, March 27). 'Type 2 diabetes and life expectancy.' Medical News Today. Retrieved from
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Huizen, J. (2019, March 27). 'Type 2 diabetes and life expectancy.' Medical News Today. Retrieved from
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