Title of project

Burden of Diabetes Complications and Effect of Traditional Risk Factors at the Population Level: Danish Diabetes Register

Abstract

Individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes often develop multiple microvascular and cardiovascular complications over time, contributing to substantial morbidity and reduced quality of life. The accumulation of complication burden, such as retinopathy, kidney disease, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease, is progressive and interrelated, with each additional complication compounding the risk of subsequent events and mortality. Identifying the unique interconnected nature of these complications can help elucidate mechanisms and inform treatment strategies. We plan to leverage data from the Danish Diabetes Register (DMreg) to characterize the incidence, progression, and accumulation of diabetes complications, assess the independent effects of key risk, factors, and compare findings with the two ongoing clinical epidemiological studies, one in the U.S. (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications) and the other in Denmark (Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen Clinical Cohort). We also aim to extend these analyses to identify specific complication patterns in type 2 diabetes across demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics, and to perform a comprehensive population-level comparison of individuals with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and without diabetes. The use of a large, population-level database offers an unprecedented opportunity to assess these patterns at scale with greater generalizability. The results from this study may inform guidelines to intensify surveillance for additional complications in individuals with existing diabetes complications. This project aligns with DDEA’s goals by fostering interdisciplinary exchange, informing targeted prevention and intervention, and supporting early-career mentoring in international research environments.