Deaths from diabetes in Kerala have nearly doubled over the past ten years, revealing an alarming rise in the impact of the disease on both health and mortality in the state. A recent report from the Kerala Department of Economics and Statistics highlights the growing toll, with diabetes-related deaths rising from 10.3% of total deaths in 2014 to 19.09% in 2023.
The surge in diabetes-related fatalities is particularly concerning in the context of a broader health crisis, as an Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study shows that nearly 42% of Kerala’s population is either diabetic or pre-diabetic.
While cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death at 26.44%, diabetes-related deaths saw a notable increase in 2023, accounting for 20.45% of all fatalities. In comparison to the previous year, deaths from cardiovascular diseases decreased by 3.36%, while deaths attributed to endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases—primarily diabetes—rose by 6.8%. Diabetes is responsible for over 93% of these deaths.
An Urgent Health Crisis
Dr. P K Jabbar, director and CEO of the Indian Institute of Diabetes, emphasized that diabetes is a significant co-morbidity contributing to a range of fatal conditions, including cardiovascular, liver, and renal diseases. “The high prevalence of diabetes in Kerala is becoming increasingly visible in the rising death toll from related complications. We are also seeing a concerning trend of younger people being diagnosed, indicating a shift in the age demographics of those affected,” he said.
The report further reveals that diabetes-related deaths are more prevalent in individuals over 30, with the percentage of such deaths escalating with age. Among those aged 35-44, diabetes-related deaths account for 3% of total deaths, but this figure jumps to 23% in the 55-64 age group, peaking at 46% in people aged 70 and above.
Addressing the Crisis: Targeted Interventions Needed
Experts argue that the rising diabetes mortality underscores the need for effective intervention strategies, especially for the 55-64 age group, where both cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are major causes of death. Dr. Althaf A, an epidemiologist at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College, stated, “High mortality rates in this age group are a serious concern. Intervention strategies aimed at reducing premature deaths are critical.”
While diabetes itself is rarely the immediate cause of death, it often acts as a precursor to fatal conditions, particularly cardiovascular issues. Dr. Jeemon Panniyammakal from the Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies explained that many diabetes-related deaths can ultimately be attributed to cardiovascular complications.
Leading Causes of Death in Kerala (2023)
According to the report, the top five leading causes of death in Kerala in 2023 were:
- Cardiovascular diseases – 26.44%
- Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (diabetes) – 20.45%
- Neoplasms (cancers) – 13.6%
- Diseases of the respiratory system – 7.99%
- Diseases of the digestive system – 5.87%
What is MCCD?
The Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a formal process through which medical professionals certify the cause of death. MCCD provides essential data for tracking mortality patterns, helping authorities plan public health initiatives and conduct vital epidemiological research.
Related topics:
Deep Learning Model Improves Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Risk
New Online Tool Could Revolutionize Diabetes Treatment, Study Finds
Predicting the Progression from Gestational Diabetes to Type 2 Diabetes
