Life expectancy | Diabetes in children

Life expectancy

Unfortunately, it must still be said that the average life expectancy of a patient suffering from type 1 diabetes is lower than that of a healthy person. A Scottish study has shown that women who are type 1 diabetics live about 13 and men about 11 years shorter than healthy people. The reason is often secondary complications (also called long-term complications) caused by the underlying disease.

Nevertheless there is hope. Various studies have shown in recent years that consistent therapy and improved treatment options can extend the life expectancy of type 1 diabetics. It is important that no late complications such as kidney damage occur in the course of the disease. It was also shown that the life expectancy of insulin pump users is extended.

Gestational diabetes, what are the consequences for my child?

The occurrence of gestational diabetes (SSD) during pregnancy can have far-reaching consequences for the child. If SSD occurs early, it can lead to heart defects and malformations of the gastrointestinal tract. In rare cases, malformations of the lower spine (caudal regression) are also observed.

Also the technical term “Fetopathia diabetica” is a frequently observed complication of SSD that is treated too late or not sufficiently. Fetopathia diabetica” means that the children weigh much more and are larger in the womb in contrast to children of non-infected mothers. In addition, more red blood cells are produced, so that the oxygen requirement of the babies in the womb is increased above average.

Furthermore, breathing problems can occur after birth. The reason for this is the reduced production of the so-called “surfactant” in the lungs. In addition, heart problems can occur due to the storage of glycogen in the heart muscle in the womb.

Furthermore, the mother’s elevated blood sugar level passes through the umbilical cord into the blood of the unborn child. This causes the pancreas of the unborn child to produce a lot of insulin in order to lower the increased blood sugar level again. After birth, the blood sugar levels fall rapidly because the child is no longer connected to the mother through the umbilical cord.

Since the child’s insulin levels are broken down more slowly than the blood sugar and still have an after-effect, these children can fall more often into hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) after birth. This is potentially life-threatening. Because of these complications, it is important that his diabetes is detected and treated early during pregnancy to protect the unborn child!