Gregg and coworkers recently reported on whether all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality rates have declined among the U.S. population with and without diabetes. Data were obtained from three consecutive and national surveys with mortality follow-up assessment. The participants were aged 35 to 74 years with and without diabetes. Diabetes was determined by self-report for each survey, and mortality rates were determined through 1986, 1992, and 2000 for the three surveys, respectively. Among diabetic men, the all-cause mortality rate decreased by 18.2 annual deaths per 1000 persons, following the decreases found in the no diabetes population. Trends for cardiovascular disease mortality paralleled those of all-cause mortality, with 26.4 annual deaths per 1000 persons in 1971 to 1986 and 12.8 annual deaths per 1000 persons in 1988 to 2000. Among women with diabetes, however, neither all-cause nor cardiovascular disease mortality declined between 1971 to 1986 and 1988 to 2000, and the all-cause mortality rate difference between diabetic and no diabetic women more than doubled. The difference in all-cause mortality rates by sex among people with diabetes in 1971 to 1986 was essentially eliminated in 1988 to 2000.

VALUE OF STUDY TO READER: The authors concluded that progress in reducing mortality rates among persons with diabetes has been limited to men. Diabetes continues to greatly increase the risk for death, particularly among women. These findings suggest that parts of self-management programs for diabetes should be tailored more closely to fits the needs of women. It may help increase their lives.

E.W. Gregg et al. Mortality trends in men and women with diabetes, 1971 to 2000. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2007;147:149-155.