When people think about staying healthy with type 2 diabetes, they often focus on eating better, exercising, and keeping blood sugar under control.
These are all very important. However, new research shows that there are other hidden risks that people may not be aware of, especially when it comes to heart health.
One serious condition linked to diabetes is sudden cardiac arrest. This is a life-threatening event where the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. When this happens, the body and brain do not get oxygen, and the person can lose consciousness within seconds.
Without immediate medical help, it can quickly lead to death. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in many developed countries.
People with type 2 diabetes already have a higher risk of heart problems. In fact, they are about twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest compared to people without diabetes. Because of this, doctors have been trying to better understand what increases this risk and how to prevent it.
A recent study has provided some surprising new information. The research was presented at a major medical meeting in Germany and was carried out by scientists from Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands.
They studied nearly 4,000 people with type 2 diabetes who were living in one region of the country. Among these people, 689 had experienced sudden cardiac arrest between 2010 and 2019.
The researchers carefully looked at the medical records of all participants. They compared people who had sudden cardiac arrest with those who did not. Their goal was to find patterns and identify possible risk factors.
One of the most important findings was related to medications. Some drugs that are commonly used for other health problems were linked to a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest. These included certain antibiotics, some antipsychotic medicines, and drugs used to treat stomach problems.
For example, a group of antibiotics known as macrolides and a medicine called haloperidol were linked to higher risk. These drugs can affect the heart’s electrical system. The heart works through electrical signals that control each heartbeat. If these signals are disrupted, it can lead to dangerous heart rhythms.
The study explained that these medications can increase something called the QT interval. This is the time it takes for the heart to reset between beats. When this time becomes too long, the heart can become unstable. This increases the chance of serious problems like sudden cardiac arrest.
Another surprising finding was about blood sugar levels. Most people believe that lower blood sugar is always better for diabetes. However, the study found that very low fasting blood sugar levels were linked to a much higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest. In fact, the risk increased by about 150 percent, even in people who did not already have heart disease.
This finding is important because it shows that blood sugar control needs to be balanced. Blood sugar that is too high is harmful, but blood sugar that is too low can also be dangerous. This means patients and doctors need to be careful when setting treatment goals.
The researchers also found that people who already had heart problems were at even higher risk if they had other health issues. For example, kidney problems, which can be seen through a condition called albuminuria, were linked to greater risk.
Heart failure also increased the chance of sudden cardiac arrest. This shows that the heart and kidneys are closely connected, especially in people with diabetes.
So what does this mean for people living with type 2 diabetes? First, it is important to review all medications with a doctor. Some medicines may carry risks that are not obvious at first. Doctors can help decide whether the benefits of a medicine are greater than the risks.
Second, blood sugar should be managed carefully. The goal is not just to lower it, but to keep it within a safe and stable range. Avoiding both high and very low levels is key.
Third, regular health checks are important. Monitoring heart and kidney health can help detect problems early. Early treatment can reduce the risk of serious events like sudden cardiac arrest.
For healthcare professionals, this study highlights the need to look at the full picture when treating diabetes. It is not enough to focus only on blood sugar. Other factors, such as medications, heart health, and kidney function, must also be considered.
This research adds valuable new knowledge and may help improve care for people with diabetes. It also reminds us that even well-known conditions can have hidden risks that require attention.
The findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting in Hamburg, Germany.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes, and how to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vitamin D and type2 diabetes, and to people with type 2 diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
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