Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., M.S.

Diabetes is a "strong" risk factor for sudden cardiac death, with the risk increasing with the severity of the disease, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal.

Researchers examined 2,040 people who who experienced cardiac arrest 1980 and 1994.

The study was investigating the association between blood sugar level, diabetes and the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Here were the findings:

• People with borderline diabetes had a 24% risk of sudden cardiac death.
  
• People with diabetes without disease of the small blood vessels had a 73% risk of sudden cardiac death.
  
• People with diabetes with disease of the small blood vessels had a 266% risk of sudden cardiac death.
  

  According to Dr. Xavier Jouven, of Universite Paris-5, France, "the relationship between diabetes and sudden cardiac death may involve heart disease, atherosclerosis or a combination of processes.

  High blood sugar levels can promote disease of the small blood vessels without causing symptoms which might contribute to sudden cardiac death risk.

  SOURCE: European Heart Journal, October 2005.

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