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World J Diabetes. Jun 15, 2014; 5(3): 282-287
Published online Jun 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i3.282
Why do some patients with type 1 diabetes live so long?
Larry A Distiller
Larry A Distiller, Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Johannesburg, 2132 Gauteng, South Africa
Larry A Distiller, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF10 3XQ, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Distiller LA solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Larry A Distiller, Professor, Principal Physician, Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, PO Box 2900, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, 2132 Gauteng, South Africa. larry@cdecentre.co.za
Telephone: +27-11-7126000 Fax: +27-11-7286661
Received: December 3, 2013
Revised: March 5, 2014
Accepted: April 9, 2014
Published online: June 15, 2014
Processing time: 195 Days and 12.6 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: People with type 1 diabetes are generally assumed to have a shortened lifespan. This contention is supported by a number of epidemiological studies confirming a trend towards premature death, primarily due to cardiovascular disease. However, a subset of type 1 individuals survives for many years, living for over 50 years or more with type 1 diabetes. This review explores the clinical features that are linked to long-term survival in people with type 1 diabetes, allowing identification of these individuals. Recognising these individuals will aid in assessing prognosis, and treating the identified risk factors could improve survival.