Deaths From Diabetes Among Young Adults in Montana

Objective: To investigate deaths among young adults, aged 18-29, with diabetes. Setting: Montana

Methods: Cases were identified from Montana death certificate data from 1989 to 2008, where age of death was between 18 and 29 years. Cause of death fields were searched for ICD-9 code 250 and ICD-10 codes E10-E14. Death certificates were also used to identify time and place of death, other co-morbid conditions and demographics.

Results: Acute metabolic complications (ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia) are the second most common cause of death for people with diabetes under the age of 30, but a rare among people with diabetes age 50 and over. Between 1998 and 2007, 21 deaths among young adults aged 18-29 listed diabetes on the death certificate. Acute metabolic complications were the cause of seven young adult deaths (33%). Over half (12/21) of the diabetes deaths in young people occurred at the decedent’s residence (57%). In nearly all cases, the time of death was between 11 pm and 8 am.

Conclusion: Deaths among young adults with diabetes in Montana are particularly troubling; data suggest they are at risk in ways that have been previously described. Youth with diabetes face challenges as they mature and leave home for college or work.