Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that people with diabetes are more likely to die if they have a heart attack compared with people without diabetes.
The study findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, showed that the risk of dying from a heart attack is 50 per cent greater if the person has diabetes.
The research team has made the discovery by examining data on 700,000 people, of which 121,000 had diabetes and were admitted to hospital with a heart attack.
After adjusting for other various factors, the research scientists found that 56% of them were more likely to have died if they had experienced an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) heart attack – in which the coronary artery is completely blocked – than those without the condition.
For those who suffered a slightly milder heart attack, where the artery is partially blocked, the risk lowered to 39 per cent.
Lead researcher Dr Chris Gale, who is a consultant cardiologist and associate professor at the university’s School of Medicine, said: “Although these days, people are more likely than ever to survive a heart attack, we need to place greater focus on the long-term effects of diabetes in heart attack survivors.
“The partnership between cardiologists, GPs and diabetologists needs to be strengthened and we need to make sure we are using established medications as effectively as possible among high-risk individuals.”
Dr Mike Knapto, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundatio, which funded the study, said: “This research highlights the need to find new ways to prevent coronary heart disease in people with diabetes and develop new treatments to improve survival after a heart attack.”
Dr Anna Morris, head of research funding at Diabetes UK, said: “While researchers tackle this issue, we know that managing diabetes effectively can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This includes eating healthily, keeping active and taking medications as prescribed by your doctor.
“It’s essential that people with diabetes get the support they need to do this effectively, and that we continue to fund research across the UK aimed at preventing the onset of complications in the first place.”
