A recent study has warned that diabetic patients face a significantly higher risk of sudden death due to heart attack.
According to the research published in the European Heart Journal, patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are more affected by this risk at all ages, and it also directly impacts their overall life expectancy.
Researchers examined Denmark’s complete population health data from 2010. Out of more than 54,000 deaths, around 6,900 were caused by sudden cardiac death.
Further findings revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes have a 6.5 times higher risk of dying from sudden cardiac arrest, while patients with type 1 diabetes face a 3.7 times higher risk. Among individuals under 50, the risk increases even further to seven times.
The study also found that diabetes not only increases risks but also reduces life expectancy. Patients with type 1 diabetes live on average 14 years less, while those with type 2 diabetes live about 8 years less.
Experts stated that high blood sugar levels, heart disease, nerve damage, and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) caused by diabetes contribute to the increased risk of sudden death from heart attack.
The research clarified that although a direct causal link between diabetes and sudden cardiac death has not been proven, a strong association exists. Therefore, experts emphasize adopting aggressive and effective cardiovascular risk management strategies.
Experts further stated that new treatments such as GLP-1 and SGLT2 medications may help reduce the risk, while in the future, smart devices and implants may also play an important role.
