Can you die earlier if you have diabetes?

Not necessarily: Diabetes requires lifestyle changes. If you can keep your blood sugar under control through a healthy diet, exercise and routine follow up with your physician, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to remain healthy.

Heart disease: Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in patients with diabetes. So, in addition to controlling your sugar, your doctor will pay particular attention to your cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardiac risk factors. Your doctor may want to put you on a statin or ace-inhibitor to help lower your cardiac risk.