Although previous studies have reported disparities in diabetes mortality by race/ethnicity, little is known about deaths due to diabetes, diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) or diabetic coma by race/ethnicity among the younger population in the U.S. We used National Vital Statistics System data for individuals aged 1-44 years from 1999 to 2017 filed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia obtained from CDC Wonder (wonder.cdc.gov). Diabetes-related deaths were based on any listed ICD-10 codes E10-E14. DKA or diabetic coma deaths were based on any listed ICD-10 codes E10-E14 with X.1 or X.0. Race/ethnicity was reported on death certificates and categorized as Hispanic, non-Hispanic (NH) Asian/Pacific Islander (API), NH black (B), or NH white (W). Results were age standardized to the 2000 U.S. population by 10 year age groups. In 2013-2017, DM-related deaths were lowest among NH APIs (1.4, 95% CI 1.3, 1.5) followed by Hispanics (2.8, 95% CI 2.5, 2.7) and NHWs (3.2, 95% CI 3.0, 3.2), and highest among NHBs (7.7, 95% CI 7.5, 7.8) (Figure). Diabetes-related death rates increased for all groups from 1999-2002 to 2013-2017 (p < 0.05); DKA or diabetic coma rates increased among NHWs and NHBs (p < 0.05). Exploring reasons for increased diabetes-related mortality among youth and young adults may help reduce disparities and prevent deaths.
S. Shaydah: None. G. Imperatore: None. C. Mercado: None. K.M. Bullard: None. S.R. Benoit: None.
