TYPE 2 DIABETES LINKED TO 6.5× HIGHER RISK; TYPE 1 ASSOCIATED WITH 3.7× RISK — IMPACT IS MOST PRONOUNCED IN ADULTS UNDER 50
A large Danish population study published in the European Heart Journal found that adults with type 2 diabetes face a 6.5-fold increased risk of sudden cardiac death, while type 1 diabetes raises the risk 3.7-fold, with the danger especially high in those under age 50.
A new Danish study published in the European Heart Journal has revealed a striking association between diabetes and sudden cardiac death in adults, with type 2 diabetes increasing the risk 6.5 times and type 1 diabetes raising it 3.7 times compared to the general population. Researchers noted that adults under age 50 experienced the most pronounced elevation, with a sevenfold increase in sudden cardiac death risk.
The study found that individuals with type 1 diabetes lost an average of 3.4 years of life, whereas those with type 2 diabetes lost 2.7 years, based on population-level comparisons. The findings reflect an association, not a direct cause, but highlight significant cardiovascular vulnerability among diabetic patients.
Researchers linked the heightened risk to factors such as ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and autonomic neuropathy, all of which may contribute to fatal cardiac events that occur without witnesses. Scientists emphasized that sudden cardiac death in younger diabetic adults is often under-recognized in public health discussions.
The authors called for intensified cardiovascular monitoring, especially in younger adults with diabetes, noting that technologies such as wearables and implantable devices may play a role in detecting dangerous heart rhythms earlier. These observations reflect ongoing research interest and do not constitute medical recommendations.
Public-health experts say the findings carry particular relevance in regions such as Latin America, where diabetes prevalence is high and early detection remains a challenge. The study suggests that timely glucose control and expanded cardiac monitoring access may help reduce risk at a population level.
The European Heart Journal study adds to a growing body of research documenting the broad, long-term cardiovascular impacts of diabetes and calls for further investigation into prevention strategies.
