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

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mexico faces a challenge due to the burden imposed by type 2 diabetes (T2D). OBJECTIVE: To analyze T2D epidemiology and burden in Mexico from 1990 to 2021, at the national and state levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

RESUMEN

ANTECEDENTES México enfrenta un desafío por la carga que representa la diabetes tipo 2 (DT2). OBJETIVO: Analizar la epidemiología y la carga de DT2 en México de 1990 a 2021 en los ámbitos nacional y estatal. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se empleó el Global Burden of Disease 2021 para evaluar prevalencia, incidencia, mortalidad, carga letal y no letal. Se consideraron factores metabólicos, ambientales y de comportamiento. Se realizó análisis comparativo por sexo, edad y entidad federativa. RESULTADOS: Se incrementó la prevalencia de DT2 en 25 % y la incidencia en menores de 45 años; la mortalidad en mujeres disminuyó. La tasa de años de vida saludable (AVISA) perdidos se incrementó en todos los estados, entre 45.2 % en Nuevo León y 237.6 % en Tabasco. En 2021, la DT2 ocasionó 3.1 millones de AVISA perdidos, que representaron 6.6 % de la carga total en México, de la cual 64 % se atribuyó a muertes prematuras. La neuropatía diabética afectó a 47 % y las afecciones visuales a 270 000 personas; 66.3 % de la carga se atribuyó a obesidad. CONCLUSIONES: Urgen políticas integrales para reducir la carga de DT2 en México, mediante pautas estandarizadas, estrategias basadas en evidencia y recursos tecnológicos que mejoren la accesibilidad y eficiencia de la atención médica.