by Colin Kenny, GP, Dromore
In most Western countries, the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes is inversely related to socioeconomic status, with higher prevalence and worse outcomes in those of lower socioeconomic status. There is not such a clear-cut relationship for type 1 diabetes, with genetics being a more important factor. In this study, Swedish investigators followed up a cohort of almost 25,000 people with type 1 diabetes to see what predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death.
Analysts found that being married was associated with a 50% lower risk of cardiovascular death and diabetes-related death. Individuals with a college degree had lower risk of fatal or non-fatal stroke. Men had a greater risk of all-cause death, cardiovascular death and diabetes-related death. The researchers concluded that low socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk of CVD and death, by a factor of 2–3, in type 1 diabetes.
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