Hui Shao, MD, PhD: Life Expectancy of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A new analysis from investigators at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy is shedding light on the current life expectancy of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in the US.

Feeling some estimates on life expectancy may be inaccurate based on data used or design of the analyses, investigators hoped to provide a more accurate analysis of best available data to provide a more accurate assessment for clinicians.

“When you look at previous life expectancy documentations they are using—I wouldn’t say a flawed approach but—a limited approach,” said lead investigator Hui Shao, MD, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy, in an interview with HCPLive®.

Using microsimulation modeling, investigators planned to use data from both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2009-2010 and National Death Index to calculate the current life expectancy of T2DM patients. From these databases, investigators designed their analysis to calculate mortality rate based on baseline demographics, clinical complications, geographical location, and time-varying risk factors.

In the study’s abstract, which was presented at the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 80th Scientific Sessions, investigators highlighted the specific model used in the study had been validated against 18 international trials.

For the purpose of the analysis, investigators estimated life expectancy under 2 treatment targets. Target groups were defined as an HbA1c of 7.5%, systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130 mmHg, an LDL-C of 100 mg/dL, and a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or an HbA1C of 6.5%, an SBP of 120 mmHg, an LDL-C of 90 mg/dL, and a BMI of 25 kg/m2, which were classified as population average and recommended level, respectively.

The analysis presented at ADA 2020 included a breakdown of life expectancy based on the 2 treatment goals, age, sex, and race/ethnic background. Age ranged from 50-80 and was divided into subgroups for every 5 years while race/ethnic backgrounds were defined as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and others.

Results of the analysis indicated female patients lived 4 years longer than their male counterparts on average. Analysis also indicated achieving recommended goal of biomarkers prolonged life expectancy by 1.3-1.8 years, depending on age group.

To learn more about the purpose behind the analysis and its results, HCPLive reached out to Shao to take part in a special edition ADA 2020 House Call.

This study, “Life Expectancy of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the United States,” was presented at ADA 2020.