When we talk about heart health for people with type 2 diabetes, the conversation often includes tips like eating better and exercising more.
But a new study presented at a major medical meeting in Europe has revealed that some less obvious factors might also raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in people with diabetes.
SCA happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. It’s a serious medical emergency that can lead to death if not treated right away. It is one of the leading causes of heart-related deaths around the world, especially in wealthier countries.
People with type 2 diabetes already face double the risk of SCA compared to people without diabetes.
That’s why it’s important to understand all the possible risk factors for SCA, even in people who don’t have any history of heart disease.
A team of researchers led by Peter Harms from Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands studied the health records of nearly 4,000 people with type 2 diabetes in the region of Noord-Holland. They focused on 689 people who had experienced sudden cardiac arrest between 2010 and 2019 and compared them to a similar group who had not.
They found some surprising results.
One major discovery was that certain medications were linked to a higher risk of SCA. These included some antibiotics, antipsychotic drugs, and medications used to treat stomach issues like nausea. Many of these drugs affect the heart’s rhythm by lengthening the time it takes for the heart to reset between beats.
This can make the heart more vulnerable to stopping suddenly. For example, macrolide antibiotics and the drug haloperidol were among the medications linked to this increased risk.
These medications are often necessary to treat serious health problems, but the study suggests doctors should be cautious when prescribing them to people with diabetes, especially those who may already be at risk for heart problems.
Another unexpected finding was related to blood sugar levels. People with low fasting blood sugar—often considered a sign of good diabetes control—had a 150% higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest, especially if they had no previous heart problems. This challenges the usual idea that lower blood sugar is always better.
For people who already had heart issues, the presence of kidney problems like albuminuria (protein in the urine) and heart failure made the risk of SCA even higher. This shows how closely connected kidney health and heart health can be, especially in people with diabetes.
So, what does this mean if you have type 2 diabetes? It means that while keeping your blood sugar under control is important, it’s also vital to look at the bigger picture.
Talk to your doctor about all the medications you are taking, especially if they might affect your heart’s rhythm. Regular checkups for your heart and kidneys can help spot problems early, before they become serious.
This study is a reminder for doctors, too. Managing diabetes isn’t just about sugar levels—it’s also about being aware of other hidden risks that might affect heart health.
In conclusion, this research shows that people with type 2 diabetes need a broader plan for staying healthy. By keeping an eye on both traditional and lesser-known risks, patients and doctors can work together to protect the heart and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes
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