The cause of actress Michelle Trachtenberg‘s death has been revealed. Michelle died suddenly on February 26 in New York City. She was 39.
The former child star is best known for her roles on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.”
The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office released her cause of death as complications from diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that affects how the body uses blood sugar. The pancreas produces insulin, which is essential for pushing sugar into the cells to be used for energy in the muscles and organs.
The main types of diabetes include type 1, where the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin, and type 2, where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
In some cases, cells in the body become resistant to insulin leading to high blood sugar (insulin resistance). High blood sugar can cause serious health problems, including coma and death.
Michelle was diagnosed with liver failure and underwent a liver transplant in the months before she passed away.
She clapped back at fans who expressed concern over her dramatic weight loss and yellow eyes, a sign of liver disease.
She wrote, “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar.”
In a follow-up post, she wrote: “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”
