- Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden death was the result of complications from diabetes, according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
- Often referred to as a “silent killer,” diabetes can be life-threatening if not properly managed, an expert tells PEOPLE.
- Reports also indicate that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant—a procedure that can lead to the development of diabetes in approximately 30% of cases.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s unexpected passing at the age of 39 sparked widespread speculation about the cause. However, on Wednesday, April 16, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to PEOPLE that she died due to complications from diabetes mellitus.
Her death was officially ruled as natural.
“Diabetes is often referred to as a silent killer,” says Dr. Zinoviy Abelev, an expert in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Northwell Health and Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, in a statement to PEOPLE.
“Many people often don’t recognize the signs of diabetes,” explains Dr. Zinoviy Abelev, who was not involved in investigating Trachtenberg’s death. “It causes gradual damage—to the heart, kidneys, liver, eyes, and blood vessels.”
He added, “The only way to prevent this is by properly identifying the symptoms early and keeping blood sugar levels under control,” which can be managed with medications such as insulin, GLP-1 injections, or oral pills.
According to Dr. Abelev, symptoms of uncontrolled or newly diagnosed diabetes can include excessive thirst, fatigue, unintended weight loss, frequent urination, blurry vision, slow-healing wounds, and recurring yeast or urinary tract infections.
Sources told PEOPLE that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have experienced complications related to the procedure. “It’s unclear whether she had pre-existing diabetes, which might have contributed to the need for the liver transplant,” Dr. Zinoviy Abelev tells PEOPLE, noting that diabetes itself can also develop as a result of a transplant—occurring in about 30% of cases.
“There’s actually a term for it—NODAT, or New Onset Diabetes After Transplant,” he explains. “Patients are typically placed on long-term immunosuppressive medications and steroids like prednisone, and we often see elevated blood sugar levels in those on chronic steroid therapy.”
That said, he adds, “Post-transplant patients—whether it’s a liver or another organ—are usually very closely monitored.”
Dr. Abelev urges anyone experiencing symptoms of diabetes to seek medical attention promptly.
“Once complications set in, it’s usually a one-way street,” he says. “These complications are often irreversible.”