Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her role in Gossip Girl, died from complications related to diabetes, according to a report by TMZ. The update comes weeks after the 39-year-old star was found dead in her New York City apartment in February. Soon after her sudden death, reports said that Michelle had undergone a liver transplant. However, her exact type of diabetes—whether it was type 1 or type 2—was not confirmed in the lab results. Initially, the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office had ruled the cause of death “undetermined” because the family objected to a full autopsy.

People close to the actress told media outlets that Michelle had been open about feeling unwell. A source told PEOPLE that she had become “really, really sick” and often shared with her friends that she was struggling, both physically and emotionally. “She was pale, very thin, and had a lot of health issues,” the source added.

Could Her Liver Transplant Have Played a Role?

Medical experts say it’s possible. According to the US National Library of Medicine, up to 30 per cent of people who receive a liver transplant go on to develop a type of diabetes called Post-Liver Transplant Diabetes Mellitus (PLTDM). This condition is linked to the medicines given after the transplant to prevent the body from rejecting the new liver.

“These drugs, especially tacrolimus and cyclosporine, can affect how the body makes insulin and handles blood sugar,” explained Dr Steven Fishman, a transplant specialist in Boston. “People who already have other risk factors like fatty liver disease or hepatitis C are more at risk.”

The condition is serious. Studies show that people who develop PLTDM are at higher risk of complications and even death if it’s not properly managed.

What Are the Signs of Diabetes?

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include:

Dr Anne Peters, a diabetes expert in Los Angeles, says, “People often ignore the early signs or think they’re just part of being tired or stressed. But catching diabetes early can make a big difference.”

Mental Health Struggles

Sources also shared that Michelle had been feeling “emotionally down” in the months before her death. While it's unclear if depression played a direct role, experts say emotional and physical health are closely linked, especially when someone is already dealing with serious medical conditions.

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