A new study has confirmed that diabetes can entirely stop the heart, and that diabetes patients are more prone to death from a heart attack, with incidences ranging between 3.7 and 6.5 times more likely compared to the general population.
Researchers warn that both types of diabetes significantly increase the likelihood of sudden cardiac death, involving the abrupt stopping of the heart.
Results from the study, conducted at the University of Copenhagen Hospital, show that the average life expectancy of patients is shorter, partly due to sudden cardiac death.
The study was based on an analysis of 54,000 death cases.
The Difference Between Types of Diabetes
According to "Health Day", the results showed that individuals with type 2 diabetes were 6.5 times more likely to die from sudden cardiac arrest, while those with type 1 diabetes were 3.7 times more likely, compared to those not suffering from this condition.
Researchers explained that young people with diabetes face the greatest risk. Those under 50 years old were seven times more likely to die from sudden cardiac death.
Sudden cardiac death rates were highest among patients aged between 40 to 50 years.
Prevention
Researchers pointed out that people at high risk for sudden cardiac death could be equipped with an implant that shocks their hearts into restarting or regaining a regular rhythm.
Future research may explore which diabetes patients could benefit from such an implant, or other strategies for preventing heart problems.
