Causes of death in diabetes
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Causes of Death in Diabetes
Overview of Diabetes-Related Mortality
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of death from various causes, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and other nonvascular conditions. Research indicates that individuals with diabetes have a higher mortality rate compared to those without the condition, with diabetes contributing to a substantial number of deaths globally .
Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death among individuals with diabetes. Studies show that diabetes doubles the risk of death from cardiovascular causes, with hazard ratios ranging from 2.03 to 2.32 for cardiovascular mortality . This elevated risk is consistent across different populations and is a significant contributor to the overall mortality burden in diabetic patients.
Cancer Mortality in Diabetic Patients
Diabetes is also associated with an increased risk of death from various cancers. Research highlights that individuals with diabetes have a 25% higher risk of cancer-related mortality compared to non-diabetics. Specific cancers, such as those of the liver, pancreas, ovary, colorectum, lung, bladder, and breast, show a moderate association with diabetes. The risk of cancer death is higher in both men and women with diabetes, with hazard ratios of 1.37 to 1.68.
Nonvascular, Noncancer Causes of Death
Nonvascular, noncancer causes of death are also prevalent among individuals with diabetes. These include renal disease, liver disease, pneumonia, other infectious diseases, mental disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . The risk of death from these causes is significantly higher in diabetic patients, with hazard ratios ranging from 1.50 to 1.89.
Trends in Diabetes-Related Mortality
Recent trends indicate a decline in all-cause mortality rates among individuals with diabetes, particularly in high-income countries. For instance, in the USA, all-cause death rates among adults with diabetes declined by 20% every 10 years from 1988 to 2015. Similarly, in England, total mortality among individuals with diabetes decreased by 32% in men and 31% in women from 2001 to 2018. Despite these declines, the gap in mortality rates between those with and without diabetes remains significant.
Regional Variations in Diabetes Mortality
The impact of diabetes on mortality varies by region. In middle-income countries like Mexico, diabetes is associated with a much higher risk of death compared to high-income countries. In Mexico City, diabetes was linked to a fivefold increase in mortality among individuals aged 35 to 59 years, with significant contributions from renal disease, cardiac disease, and infections. In contrast, in Japan, the leading causes of death among diabetic patients were malignant neoplasia, infections, and vascular diseases.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a major contributor to mortality from various causes, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and other nonvascular conditions. While there have been improvements in mortality rates among diabetic patients in high-income countries, the condition still poses a significant health risk globally. Effective management and prevention strategies are essential to reduce the mortality burden associated with diabetes.
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