Re-Examining Diabetes Related Deaths in Florida, 2000-2007

Re-examining Diabetes Related Deaths in Florida, 2000-2007

Objective: This study examines the deaths related to diabetes as contributing cause and as underlying cause in Florida. The study also examines the leading underlying cause of deaths among those who had diabetes as the contributing cause of death.

Methods: Florida mortality data for the years 2000 to 2007 were analyzed for diabetes as underlying cause, as contributing cause, and as any cause of death. Age-adjusted rates were calculated for sex and race groups. Leading underlying cause of death was examined among those who had diabetes as the contributing cause of death.

Results: In 2007, diabetes was listed as the underlying cause for 5,094 deaths, with an age-adjusted rate of 20.4 per 100,000 population. The mortality rate for diabetes as any and contributing cause were 48.6 per 100,000 and 28.1 per 100,000 population, respectively. Mortality rates were higher among males and blacks compared to females and whites. On death certificates with diabetes listed as a contributing cause of death, the three leading underlying causes included chronic ischaemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2007 mortality rates of diabetes as underlying cause and as contributing cause declined since 2000.

Conclusion: The data demonstrate that deaths related to diabetes are under-estimated. Deaths related to diabetes as any cause is more than twice the deaths primarily due to diabetes. The study clearly shows cardio vascular disease as the leading cause of death among those who have diabetes.