Mortality rates and cardiovascular disease burden in type 2 diabetes by occupation, results from all Swedish employees in 2002-2015.

OBJECTIVE

To identify occupations where employees with type 2 diabetes have a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, and their prevalence of CVD risk factors. This study can contribute in the creation of targeted interventions at the workplace.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This nationwide registry-based study included all employees with type 2 diabetes born in Sweden in 1937-1979 (n = 180,620) and followed up in 2002-2015. We calculated age-standardized incidence (per 100,000 person-years) of all-cause and CVD mortality, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke across the 30 most common occupations. Information on prognostic factors was retrieved from the National Diabetes Register.

RESULTS

In males with type 2 diabetes, mortality rates were highest in manufacturing workers (1782) and machine operators (1329), and lowest in specialist managers (633). The risk of death at age 61-70 years was 21.8% in manufacturing workers and 8.5% in managers. In females with type 2 diabetes, mortality rates were highest in manufacturing workers (1150) and cleaners (876), and lowest in writers and artists (458); the risk of death at age 61-70 years was 12.4% in manufacturing workers and 4.3% in writers and artists. The same occupations also had relatively high incidences of CVD mortality, IHD and stroke. Occupational groups with poor prognosis had high prevalence of CVD risk factors including poor glycemic control, smoking and obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Manufacturing workers, machine operators and cleaners with type 2 diabetes have two to three times higher mortality rates than managers, writers and artists with type 2 diabetes. Major health gains would be made if targeted workplace interventions could reduce CVD risk factors in these occupations.