Final answer:
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in people with diabetes, as high levels of glucose in the blood can injure blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major cause of death in people with diabetes is cardiovascular disease. Over time, high levels of glucose in the blood injure tissues throughout the body, especially those of the blood vessels and nerves. Inflammation and injury of the lining of arteries lead to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Damage to blood vessels that serve the eyes can lead to blindness. Blood vessel damage also reduces circulation to the limbs.