Long-term (20 years) outcome and mortality of Type 1 diabetic patients in Soweto, South Africa

Aims To assess the long‐term (20 years) mortality, with causes of death, in a cohort of Type 1 diabetic patients resident in Soweto, South Africa. Methods A cohort of Type 1 diabetic patients attending the Diabetic Clinic of Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto were studied in 1982. They were followed over the subsequent 20 years, the final investigation being in 2002. Numbers dying during the period were recorded, as well as year of death and cause. The complication status of survivors was also assessed. Results Of the original cohort of 88 Type 1 patients, 21 died during the follow‐up period. There were 39 lost to follow‐up, giving a crude 20 years’ mortality of 43%. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed mortality hazard of 33%. Of those dying, most (9/21) were as a result of renal failure. Other causes were hypoglycaemia (6), ketoacidosis (2), infection (2) and undetermined (2). Of the survivors, comparing data at 0 and 20 years’ follow‐up, there was a significant increase in rates of retinopathy (P