Multimorbidity in Type 1 Diabetes: A Growing Concern
New research shows that people with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of mortality if they have multiple chronic conditions. The longer someone has had type 1 diabetes, the more likely they are to develop multimorbidity.
Key takeaways
- Multimorbidity is common in people with type 1 diabetes, affecting over 60% of individuals
- The risk of mortality increases with each additional chronic condition
- Vascular comorbidities and other conditions contribute significantly to the increased risk of death
What is Multimorbidity?
Multimorbidity refers to the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual. In people with type 1 diabetes, this can include a range of conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders.
The Prevalence of Multimorbidity
According to recent research published in the Journal of Diabetes, over 60% of individuals with type 1 diabetes have multimorbidity. This prevalence increases with age and especially with the duration of diabetes.
The Risk of Mortality
The study found that multimorbidity is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality, with a hazard ratio of 6.0 (95% CI 4.6-7.8). This means that individuals with multiple chronic conditions are more than six times as likely to die from any cause compared to those without multimorbidity.
Which Conditions Contribute to the Risk?
The research identified vascular comorbidities and other conditions as significant contributors to the increased risk of mortality. Autoimmune disorders, on the other hand, did not appear to have a significant impact on mortality.
What Does This Mean for People with Type 1 Diabetes?
The findings of this study highlight the importance of comprehensive evaluation and management of all additional conditions in people with type 1 diabetes. By tailoring treatment to individual needs, healthcare providers can help reduce the risk of mortality associated with multimorbidity.
Evidence label
Source: Journal of diabetes. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.
Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.