Does diabetes cause big belly? Is lifespan affected by diabetes?

Someone got diabetes for more than 20 years and is now in the 60's. Her belly is rather large as if pregnant. Is that cause by diabetes? Is she likely to eventually die of diabetes complications?

she could die of any obesity related illness.

It's not a simple answer, however, Diabetes will not cause a pregnant like belly. Excessive weight gain can be a cause for diabetes in some. Yes, eventually left untreated or treated improperly you can/will die from complication from diabetes. These effects of diabetes are usually noticed in the circulation, especially those of the feet. Most diabetics who are non-compliant in their treatment will get infection in the toes, leading up to amputation and finally death. The belly problem may be something else and she definately needs to see her Dr.

Its actually diabetes and if she is using insulin that caused her belly like a preggo. If her blood sugar levels are not under control for a long period of time various long and short term complications have been developed like heart, kidneys, eyes problem. Diabetes is also termed as silent kilelr as if left untreated it eats the the body similaly like the termite eats the wood from inside and from out side it looks normal and then suddenly the woods starts to crack . Its too late to treat at that time. Same is the case with diabetes.

The best advise is to take her to the doctor which can make a complete checkup to determine which organs, diabetes have effected and make proper treatment accordingly.

For more on diabetes complications and treatments visit
http://www.reddiabeets.com

Hope that you will find it helpful.

I have never heard of diabetes causing a big belly. I have been type 1 diabetic and insulin dependent for 13 years and I don't have a big belly. Excessive weight or some other problem is causing her belly to look big.