Mortality Trends and Disparities in Cerebrovascular Disease Among Diabetic Population in the United States From 1999 to 2020: A CDC WONDER Analysis

Abstract

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), a major cause of mortality and long-term disability. Despite improvements in healthcare, disparities in CeVD-related mortality among diabetic populations in the United States persist.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis using the CDC WONDER database from 1999 to 2020 to assess mortality trends related to CeVD among adults aged ≥ 45 years with DM. Deaths were identified using ICD-10 codes I60–I69 (CeVD) and E10–E14 (DM). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated, and trends were analysed using Joinpoint regression, stratified by age, race/ethnicity, geography, urbanisation, and place of death.

Results

A total of 689,846 CeVD-related deaths occurred in diabetic individuals. AAMR decreased from 36.9 in 1999 to 29.3 in 2020, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of −1.41%. However, a sharp rise was observed from 2018 to 2020 (APC 14.87%), indicating a concerning reversal in progress. The highest crude mortality rates were in the 75–84 age group, and the lowest in the 45–54 group. Black and Hispanic populations, rural residents, and those in the Southern United States had the highest mortality rates. The Northeast and Asian populations had the lowest, reflecting persistent disparities in access to care and preventive services.

Conclusion

While CeVD mortality in diabetics declined over two decades, the recent reversal highlights emerging challenges, possibly due to healthcare disruptions and socioeconomic disparities. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to address inequities and improve outcomes in high-risk populations.