The life expectancy of elderly diabetic patients is affected by a number of factors. Life expectancy is relatively shorter if blood glucose is poorly controlled over a long period of time, the disease duration is longer, there are complications or concomitant diseases, and the ability to self-manage is poorer; if timely measures are taken to stabilize blood glucose within the normal range and there are no serious complications, life expectancy is generally not affected. Poorly controlled and severe diabetes in the elderly not only reduces life expectancy, but may also lead to complications or concomitant diseases such as blindness, disability, cognitive impairment, and lack of self-care ability, and may even lead to emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis and lactic acidosis, which greatly reduces the quality of life in the elderly. If diabetes in the elderly is well controlled so that blood glucose is stabilized within the normal range and there are no serious complications, life expectancy is generally not affected. Regular medical checkups are needed for blood glucose, urine routine, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver and kidney function, and other related tests. To summarize, life expectancy of diabetes in the elderly varies from person to person. It is recommended to seek timely medical treatment to control blood glucose and prevent the disease from progressing.