‘Gossip Girl’ actress Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death revealed

Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death has been revealed, nearly two months since her death in February. 

Citing the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, People reported on Thursday that the “Gossip Girl” star died due to complications of diabetes mellitus. Her death was ruled as natural. 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a condition that develops when your blood glucose, or blood sugar, becomes too high.

There are three common types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. 

Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to long-term complications by damaging blood vessels, particularly in the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

People with diabetes are also at increased risk of serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.  The condition can also lead to permanent vision loss by damaging the blood vessels in the eyes. 

Additionally, many individuals with diabetes experience foot problems due to nerve damage and reduced blood flow, which can result in foot ulcers and, in severe cases, may require amputation.

Diabetes can often be diagnosed early with simple and affordable blood sugar tests. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections to stay healthy and alive. One of the best ways to manage diabetes is by living a healthy lifestyle—eating well, staying active, and keeping a healthy weight. 

Meanwhile, some people with type 2 diabetes may also need to take medicine to help keep their blood sugar levels under control. 

Michelle passed away on February 26. Shortly after her death, Michelle’s co-stars in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” paid tribute to the actress.

Born in 1985, Michelle rose to fame when she appeared in the Nickelodeon series "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" in 1994.

She was best known for her roles as Dawn Summers in the WB supernatural drama "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" in 2000 and as Georgina Sparks on the CW television series "Gossip Girl" in 2007.

She has also starred in the films "Killing Kennedy," "Sister Cities," and the science fiction film "The Scribbler." — Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News