Diabetes increases risk of sudden cardiac death by a large margin

A recent study highlights that diabetes can drastically increase the risk of sudden cardiac death, a condition where the heart abruptly stops beating. Individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes face this heightened danger, according to research published in the European Heart Journal. The study also indicates that life expectancy is notably shorter in people with diabetes, partly due to these sudden cardiac events.

"Our analysis shows that sudden cardiac death is more common among people with diabetes at all ages and significantly contributes to reduced life expectancy," stated Dr. Tobias Skjelbred, lead researcher and doctoral student at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.

Researchers examined health records for the entire Danish population in 2010. That year, over 54,000 deaths occurred, with nearly 6,900 classified as sudden cardiac deaths. The study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes were 6.5 times more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest, while those with type 1 diabetes faced a 3.7-fold increased risk compared to non-diabetic individuals.

Young people with diabetes were identified as particularly vulnerable. Those under 50 had a seven-fold higher likelihood of sudden cardiac death. Dr. Tanno Han, associate professor of experimental cardiology at the University of Amsterdam, noted that the highest rates occurred in the 3040 age group for type 1 diabetes (22.7 per 100,000) and in the 4050 age group for type 2 diabetes (6.0 per 100,000).

The elevated risk significantly impacts overall life expectancy. People with type 1 diabetes lived on average 14 years less, while those with type 2 diabetes had nearly an 8-year shorter lifespan. Sudden cardiac death accounted for 3.4 years lost in type 1 diabetes and 2.7 years in type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes may increase the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest through multiple mechanisms, including heightened risk of heart disease, irregular heartbeat, nerve damage, and high blood sugar levels.

"While this observational study cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it underscores the importance for individuals with diabetes to manage cardiovascular risk closely with their healthcare providers," explained Skjelbred.

Advances in diabetes treatments, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, may help reduce the risk by improving blood sugar control. High-risk patients might benefit from cardiac implants capable of restarting or regulating the hearts rhythm, as well as wearable technology that can detect sudden cardiac arrest and alert emergency services.

Future research aims to identify which diabetic patients might gain the most from these preventative interventions.

Author: Riley Thompson