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Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death has been officially determined less than two months after she died at the age of 39.
The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed on Wednesday, April 16, that Trachtenberg’s sudden death was a result of complications of diabetes mellitus. As a result, the medical examiner ruled the death as natural, according to People.
According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes mellitus refers to a “group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar” a.k.a. glucose. Glucose is the brain’s main source of fuel and a key source of energy for cells in the human body.
While the main cause of diabetes varies with each type, the hospital explains that diabetes can result in excess sugar in the blood, which can cause a variety of serious health issues.
Symptoms also vary based on if someone has prediabetes (when you have higher than normal blood sugar levels), gestational diabetes (diagnosed during pregnancy, which often resides once the pregnancy ends), Type 2 diabetes (when the body can’t use insulin correctly and sugar builds up) or Type 1 diabetes (when the pancreas makes little-to-no insulin).
The most common symptoms for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are losing weight, feeling tired or weak, experiencing mood changes, blurry vision, slow-healing sores, infections and the presence of ketones in the urine. (Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that occurs when there’s not enough insulin, per the Mayo Clinic.)
Long-term complications of diabetes include heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye and foot damage as well as skin and mouth conditions and hearing impairment. Mayo Clinic also reports an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and depression can happen with prolonged diabetes.
Us Weekly confirmed in February that Trachtenberg died at the age of 39. Police sources told Us at the time that the Gossip Girl alum’s death was not being investigated as suspicious.
Prior to her death, Trachtenberg received hate from online trolls over her thinner appearance and gaunt facial features. The actress slammed “haters” who questioned her appearance via Instagram in January 2024.
“Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment,” Trachtenberg wrote in the comments section of a photo she previously posted. “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”
Last month, a source exclusively told Us that Trachtenberg’s health had been deteriorating for some time. The insider confirmed that the Harriet the Spy actress had a liver transplant in the months prior to her death.
“She was very open with those close to her about having the transplant,” a friend of Trachtenberg told Us in March, noting that the late actress “never went into detail.”
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