Michelle Trachtenberg, the former child actress best known for her work in television and film, has tragically passed away at the age of 39. According to the New York City Medical Examiner’s office, the cause of death was determined to be complications stemming from diabetes.
Trachtenberg was discovered by her mother on February 26 at her residence near Central Park South in Manhattan. In the months leading up to her passing, she had undergone a liver transplant — a procedure initially thought to have played a role in her death. However, after thorough medical examination and review of lab tests, officials confirmed diabetes as the primary cause, as reported by the New York Post.
Diabetes mellitus, more commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic health condition characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the blood. The Cleveland Clinic explains that this happens when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body’s cells stop responding properly to it. The illness can impact people of any age, and while there is no cure for most forms, it can often be managed through medication, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing medical supervision.
Left untreated, persistently high blood sugar can cause severe, often irreversible health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and organ failure. Diabetes is currently ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, with cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes being the most common fatal outcomes for people living with the condition.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global burden of diabetes has grown significantly over the past few decades. As of 2022, approximately 14% of adults over the age of 18 were living with diabetes — double the percentage recorded in 1990. Alarmingly, more than half of diabetic adults aged 30 and older were not receiving medication for their condition that same year. The organization highlighted that treatment access is especially limited in low- and middle-income nations.
The WHO emphasizes that, although diabetes is a serious and lifelong disease, its health risks can often be minimized through early diagnosis, medical treatment, physical activity, and a healthy diet. In 2021, the organization launched the Global Diabetes Compact, a worldwide initiative aimed at improving prevention, care, and access to treatment, particularly in countries with fewer healthcare resources. The following year, the World Health Assembly set five global targets to expand diabetes care coverage by 2030.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing is a sobering reminder of the serious risks posed by diabetes, and the importance of early detection and proper treatment
