Can u die from type 2 diabetes
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Can You Die from Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes and Mortality Risk
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition that significantly increases the risk of mortality. Research consistently shows that individuals with T2D have a higher risk of death from various causes compared to the general population. A systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based cohort studies in Latin America found a strong association between T2D and increased all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Similarly, a registry-based study in Sweden reported that individuals with T2D had a 17.7% mortality rate compared to 14.5% in the control group, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.15 for all-cause mortality.
Cardiovascular Mortality and Type 2 Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among people with T2D. The Swedish National Diabetes Register study highlighted that the rate of cardiovascular death was significantly higher in patients with T2D (7.9%) compared to controls (6.1%), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.14. Another study emphasized that the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, including acute myocardial infarction and stroke, was elevated in T2D patients, particularly those with poor glycemic control and other risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking.
Impact of Risk Factors on Mortality
The presence of additional risk factors can exacerbate the mortality risk in T2D patients. Poor glycemic control, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, albuminuria, smoking, and high blood pressure are significant predictors of adverse outcomes. Patients with T2D who manage to keep these risk factors within target ranges can significantly reduce their excess risk of death and cardiovascular events. However, even with optimal management, the risk of hospitalization for heart failure remains higher in T2D patients compared to the general population.
Cancer Mortality and Type 2 Diabetes
T2D is also associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality. A pooled analysis of over 771,000 individuals in the Asia Cohort Consortium found that T2D was linked to a 26% higher risk of death from any cancer. Specific cancers, such as those of the liver, pancreas, and breast, showed particularly strong associations with T2D. This underscores the need for comprehensive management strategies that address not only cardiovascular risks but also cancer prevention and early detection.
Type 2 Diabetes and COVID-19 Mortality
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the vulnerability of T2D patients. A national cohort study in England found that individuals with T2D admitted to high dependency or intensive care units for COVID-19 had a significantly higher risk of death, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.23. The mortality risk was particularly pronounced in younger patients with T2D.
Conclusion
In summary, type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of mortality from various causes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and severe infections like COVID-19. Effective management of glycemic control and other risk factors can mitigate some of these risks, but T2D remains a serious condition with substantial implications for patient survival. Comprehensive care strategies are essential to improve outcomes and reduce the mortality associated with this chronic disease.
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