How can you die from diabetes
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Understanding How Diabetes Can Lead to Death
Diabetes is a chronic condition that significantly impacts mortality rates worldwide. This article explores the various ways in which diabetes can lead to death, focusing on cardiovascular complications, renal failure, infections, and other associated conditions.
Cardiovascular Complications and Diabetes Mortality
One of the primary ways diabetes can lead to death is through cardiovascular complications. Studies have shown that individuals with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases compared to those without diabetes. For instance, a study involving the Swedish National Diabetes Register found that the rate of cardiovascular death was 7.9% among patients with diabetes, compared to 6.1% among controls, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.14. Similarly, another study reported that diabetes increased the risk of cardiovascular death with hazard ratios of 2.03 for men and 2.28 for women. These findings highlight the critical link between diabetes and cardiovascular mortality.
Renal Failure and Diabetes
Renal complications are another significant cause of death among individuals with diabetes. Poor glycemic control and the severity of renal complications are closely associated with increased mortality rates. The Swedish study mentioned earlier also noted that the excess risks of death from any cause and cardiovascular death increased with greater severity of renal complications. Additionally, diabetes is a major contributor to renal failure, which can lead to death if not managed properly.
Infections and Diabetes
Infections, particularly pneumonia, are a common cause of death in diabetic patients. A survey of Japanese patients with diabetes revealed that infections accounted for 17.0% of deaths, with pneumonia being a significant contributor. The risk of death from infections increases with age, and individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to severe infections due to compromised immune function .
Cancer and Diabetes
Diabetes is also associated with an increased risk of death from various cancers. Research has shown that individuals with diabetes have higher mortality rates from cancers of the liver, pancreas, ovary, colorectum, lung, bladder, and breast. For example, a study involving over one million U.S. adults found that diabetes was associated with higher risks of death from cancers of the liver, pancreas, endometrium, colon, and breast among women, and from cancers of the liver, oral cavity, pharynx, pancreas, bladder, and colon among men.
Other Causes of Death
Aside from cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, infections, and cancer, diabetes is linked to several other causes of death. These include liver disease, pneumonia, mental disorders, non-hepatic digestive diseases, external causes, intentional self-harm, nervous-system disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The broad range of conditions associated with diabetes underscores the complexity and severity of the disease.
Conclusion
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of death from various causes, including cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, infections, and several types of cancer. Effective management of diabetes and its complications is crucial to reducing mortality rates. Understanding the diverse ways in which diabetes can lead to death can help healthcare professionals and patients take proactive measures to manage the disease and improve outcomes.
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