Brief Answer:
Prognosis is poor!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about what your friend is going through. I understand chronic illness can be a cause of
depression that further worsens the disease state. However, we need to be able to work even harder to make sure that we don't get there if we are serious about taking care of the disease.
His prognosis depends on how well he would get involve in controlling his
diabetes and other disease conditions.Should he not take any advice, then he may die even in weeks from a possible acute complication like
diabetic coma or
heart attack. However, with minimal efforts, he can live for years but in a miserable state because the disease would be a great burden to him because of complications but, none would be sever enough to kill him instantly. I will suggest that you try and get him more motivated and involved in his care. I believe he needs to be consulted by a
psychiatrist for management of his depression and find ways to get him back to taking control of his health.
In all, his prognosis is poor should he not change from his bad ways. It can lead to death within days or weeks from acute complications if he is totally negligent or may take years if he is stubborn leading to longterm complications and a very poor quality of life. Also, consider getting a psychiatrist consult for him. Does he still smokes?
I hope this helps. I wish him well. I understand how frustrating it gets t watch a dear friend give up on taking good care of his disease conditions. I hope he finds reasons to change and become more involved.
Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for clarifications and more information if need be.
Dr. Ditah, MD.