When talking about heart health in people with type 2 diabetes, most advice focuses on eating well and exercising. But a new study presented at a major diabetes conference in Germany has found some surprising factors that may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
SCA is a serious condition where the heart suddenly stops beating. It can be deadly and is responsible for many heart-related deaths, especially in wealthier countries. People with type 2 diabetes are already twice as likely to experience SCA compared to those without diabetes, so understanding more about what increases this risk is important.
What the Study Found
A team of researchers, led by Peter Harms from Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands, studied nearly 4,000 people with type 2 diabetes from the Noord-Holland region.
They focused on 689 individuals who had suffered sudden cardiac arrest between 2010 and 2019. By comparing them to people with diabetes who had not experienced SCA, the researchers identified key risk factors that may increase the chances of this deadly event.
Certain Medications May Increase the Risk
One of the most surprising findings was that some commonly used medications may raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. These include:
- Certain antibiotics (such as macrolides)
- Some antipsychotic drugs (such as haloperidol)
- Prokinetics, which are used to treat nausea and digestive problems
These medications can affect the heart’s electrical system by extending the time it takes for the heart to reset between beats (known as the QT interval). This makes the heart more vulnerable to dangerous rhythms that can lead to cardiac arrest.
While these medications are important for treating different conditions, people with diabetes may need to be extra careful when taking them. Doctors might need to monitor heart health more closely in patients who use these drugs.
Low Blood Sugar Can Also Be a Risk
Another unexpected discovery was that very low fasting blood sugar levels increased the risk of sudden cardiac arrest by 150% in people who had no history of heart disease.
Many people with diabetes aim to keep their blood sugar low, believing it will improve their health. But this study suggests that going too low can actually be harmful, at least when it comes to heart health.
Kidney Problems and Heart Issues Raise the Risk
For people who already have heart problems, the study found that kidney-related issues made things worse. Specifically, people with albuminuria (a condition where protein leaks into the urine, often a sign of kidney damage) and heart failure had a much higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
This suggests that when diabetes affects the kidneys, it can also make the heart more vulnerable.
What This Means for People with Type 2 Diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, this study highlights the importance of looking at your overall health, not just blood sugar levels. Here are some steps you can take:
- Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking. Some may increase your heart risk, and there may be safer alternatives.
- Be cautious about aiming for very low blood sugar levels. While good control is important, extreme lows may not be safe.
- Get regular check-ups for your heart and kidneys. Simple tests can help detect problems early, so you and your doctor can take action before they get worse.
A New Way to Think About Diabetes Care
For doctors, this study is a reminder that managing diabetes isn’t just about controlling blood sugar. Other factors, like kidney health, medication side effects, and blood sugar lows, also play a big role in heart health.
By looking at diabetes care from a broader perspective, doctors and patients can work together to lower the risk of sudden cardiac arrest and protect heart health in the long run.
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