Aims: To determine the cause of death of people with type 2 diabetes in Ayrshire and Arran between 2009 and 2014 compared to the national mortality rate.
Methods: The primary cause of death (as noted on the death certificates) of 2116 patients with type 2 diabetes between the years 2009 and 2014 were collated. The causes of death were clustered into nine categories- heart disease, stroke, infection, renal failure, respiratory disorders, cancer, mental health, decompensated diabetes and other. The total rates were then compared to national rates using Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) and then individually due to heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and cancer.
Results: The most common cause of death in the cohort was cancer (27.8%) followed by heart disease (24.1%). SMR for type 2 diabetes was 145 (95% CI 139,152; p<0.01) and was greater than 100 in all age bands. The SMR was higher in the younger age bands: SMR 35-44 years 330 (95% CI 180,553), SMR 45-55 years 232 (95% CI 177, 299) and SMR 55-64 years 188 (95% CI 163,216) (p values all <0.01). The SMR was consistently higher for females particularly in the younger age groups. SMR for heart disease was significantly greater than 100 for both genders in all age bands under 85 years and was consistently higher for females. There was no difference in mortality causes related to duration of diabetes (<5 years, 5-10years, 10-15 years, >15 years). SMR for strokes was elevated in the 55-74 age range with no significant gender difference. Cancer deaths in males was not significantly elevated (SMR 109) but it was elevated in females (120, 95% CI 104,137) (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The all-cause mortality for patients with type 2 diabetes was consistently higher across all age brackets. The greatest differences were noted in females with heart disease aged less than 65.
C. Meney: None. A. Collier: None. M.D. Hair: None. L. Cameron: None. C. Bisambar: None. J. Ilyas: None.
