When it comes to heart health in people with type 2 diabetes, the focus is often on diet and exercise.
But a new study reveals some surprising factors that could increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)—a dangerous condition where the heart suddenly stops beating.
SCA is responsible for about half of all heart-related deaths and 1 in 5 deaths in wealthier countries. People with type 2 diabetes are already twice as likely to experience SCA, even if they have no history of heart problems. That’s why understanding and managing additional risk factors is so important.
The study was led by Peter Harms and his team at Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands. They looked at the medical records of 3,919 people with type 2 diabetes in the Noord-Holland region. Between 2010 and 2019, 689 of these people had sudden cardiac arrest.
The researchers examined their clinical data and medication use over the five years before each case. They compared this information with similar people who had not experienced SCA.
The findings were eye-opening. Several commonly used drugs—including some antibiotics, antipsychotic medications, and prokinetics (used to treat stomach problems)—were linked to a higher risk of SCA.
These medications are known as “QTc-prolonging” drugs, which means they can affect how the heart beats. Examples include macrolide antibiotics and the antipsychotic drug haloperidol.
Another surprising discovery was that very low fasting blood sugar levels—usually seen as a good sign of blood sugar control—were linked to a 150% higher risk of SCA in people with no previous heart disease.
For those who did have heart disease, kidney-related issues like albumin in the urine (albuminuria) and heart failure were also strongly linked to increased risk.
Peter Harms explained that while most doctors are aware of common risk factors for SCA like high blood pressure, they may not realize the danger posed by low blood sugar or specific medications in people with diabetes.
This study shows that managing type 2 diabetes safely means looking at more than just blood sugar numbers. Doctors need to consider how strict glucose control and certain prescriptions might increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
With this information, healthcare providers can make better decisions and create treatment plans that help protect both the immediate and long-term health of their patients.
The study encourages a more thoughtful and personalized approach to treating diabetes—one that balances good blood sugar control with overall heart safety.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about This diabetes drug may increase heart failure risk and Common diabetes drug can also prevent heart and kidney diseases.
For more about heart health, please read studies about Aspirin and heart failure: what you should know and This diabetes drug could protect heart and kidney health.
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