When people think about heart health in type 2 diabetes, they often focus on diet, exercise, and keeping blood sugar under control.
While these are important, new research suggests there are other hidden risks that people may not be aware of. A recent study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Hamburg, Germany, has uncovered surprising factors that may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Sudden cardiac arrest, often called SCA, happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. It is a serious and life-threatening condition that can lead to death within minutes if not treated quickly.
Around the world, SCA is a major cause of death, especially in developed countries. People with type 2 diabetes already face a higher risk, about twice that of people without diabetes, so understanding what increases this risk is very important.
The study was led by researcher Peter Harms from Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands. His team focused on people living with type 2 diabetes in the Noord-Holland region. They looked at medical records from 3,919 patients.
Among them, 689 people had experienced sudden cardiac arrest between 2010 and 2019. By comparing these patients with others who did not have SCA, the researchers were able to identify patterns and possible risk factors.
One of the key areas the researchers examined was medication use. They discovered that certain drugs may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. These included some commonly used antibiotics, antipsychotic medications, and drugs used to treat stomach problems such as nausea.
These medications can affect the heart’s electrical system by slowing down the time it takes for the heart to reset between beats. This change is known as a longer QT interval. When this happens, the heart becomes more vulnerable to dangerous rhythm problems.
Examples of these medications include macrolide antibiotics and a drug called haloperidol. While these medicines are often necessary and helpful for treating infections or mental health conditions, they may carry risks for people with diabetes.
This does not mean people should stop taking them, but it does mean doctors need to carefully consider their use and monitor patients closely.
Another unexpected finding was related to blood sugar levels. Many people believe that the lower the blood sugar, the better.
However, the study found that very low fasting blood sugar levels were linked to a much higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest in people who did not already have heart disease. In fact, the risk increased by about 150 percent. This suggests that overly strict blood sugar control may not always be safe and that balance is important.
The researchers also found that kidney health plays a role. For patients who already had heart problems, a condition called albuminuria was strongly linked to a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Albuminuria means there is protein in the urine, which is often a sign of kidney damage. In addition, heart failure was another important risk factor. These findings show that the heart and kidneys are closely connected, especially in people with diabetes.
This study helps both patients and doctors see diabetes care in a broader way. It is not just about controlling blood sugar, but also about looking at the whole body. Medications, kidney health, and even how low blood sugar levels go can all affect heart risk.
For people living with type 2 diabetes, this research highlights the importance of regular check-ups and open conversations with doctors. Patients should review their medications and discuss any possible risks. It is also important to monitor both heart and kidney health over time. Simple tests can help detect problems early and allow for changes in treatment.
Although this research does not change current treatment guidelines yet, it provides valuable new insights. It shows that some factors once thought to be harmless, or even beneficial, may need to be reconsidered. Future studies will continue to explore these findings and help develop safer and more effective ways to manage diabetes.
In the end, this study reminds us that health is complex. Managing diabetes is not just about one number or one habit. By understanding a wider range of risks, patients and doctors can work together to better protect the heart and improve long-term health outcomes.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer, and results showing strawberries could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
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