Type 2 diabetes epidemic in Mexico. Burden of disease 1990-2021 analysis and implications for public policies

• Published in: Gaceta médica de México Vol. 159; no. 6; pp. 474 - 486
• Main Authors: Montoya, Alejandra, Gallardo-Rincón, Hector, Silva-Tinoco, Rubén, García-Cerde, Rodrigo, Razo, Christian, Ong, Liane, Stafford, Lauryn, Lenox, Hailey, Tapia-Conyer, Roberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mexico 2023
• Subjects: Type 2 diabetes; Complicaciones de la diabetes; Diabetes complications; Política de salud; Diabetes tipo 2; Burden of disease; Carga de la enfermedad; Health policies
• ISSN: 0016-3813
• DOI: 10.24875/GMM.M24000835

Mexico faces a challenge due to the burden imposed by type 2 diabetes (T2D). To analyze T2D epidemiology and burden in Mexico from 1990 to 2021, at the national and state levels. Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study were used to evaluate the prevalence, incidence, mortality, fatal and non-fatal burden. Metabolic, environmental and behavioral factors were considered. Comparative analyses were carried out by gender, age and state of the country. The prevalence of T2D increased by 25%. The incidence increased in those younger than 45 years, with a mortality decrease being found among women. The rate of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) showed an increase in all states, from 45.2% in Nuevo León to 237.6% in Tabasco. In 2021, T2D caused the loss of 3.1 million DALYs, which accounted for 6.6% of total burden in Mexico, out of which 64% was due to premature deaths. Diabetic neuropathy affected 47%, and there were 270,000 cases of visual impairment; 66.3% of the burden was attributed to obesity. Comprehensive policies are urgently needed in order to reduce the burden of T2D in Mexico, through standardized guidelines, evidence-based strategies and technological resources that improve medical care accessibility and efficiency.