Comparison of prevalence of diabetes complications in Brazilian and Mexican adults: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Type 2 diabetes is more frequent in Latin American people than in non-Hispanic whites due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle risk factors. Brazil and Mexico are the most populous countries in Latin America. The present study aimed to compare the results of the National Health Survey “PNS” in Brazil and the National Survey Health and Nutrition “ENSANUT” in Mexico regarding the prevalence, complications and healthcare issues of diabetes in both countries. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the National Health Survey (PNS) of 2013 in Brazil and the National Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT) of 2018 in Mexico. The prevalence of diabetes, complications and risk factors related to developing diabetes were considered. Results The respondents included 3636 individuals in Brazil and 4555 individuals in Mexico. There were significant differences in age and time living with diabetes between the two countries. Mexican people had twice as likely as Brazilian people to have a complication (p < 0.0001). The principal risk factor (OR 2.47; p ≤ 0.0001) for developing any diabetic complication was living with diabetes for more than 15 years. Visual impairment was the most frequent complication in both countries, but it was more prevalent in Mexico (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions Diabetes complications are important health problems in Brazil and Mexico. Visual impairment was the principal complication in both countries. Several factors, such as access to and type of health system, living in a rural area, treatment, BMI and performing preventive actions, affected the risk of developing a complication. However, living with diabetes for more than 15 years was the principal risk factor. National health surveys have added significant information on the impact of diabetes in these Latin American populations. This comparison of data could provide valuable information to guide national policies and program decisions in both countries.

Comparison of Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors in Mexico in 2003 and 2014

“…Whilst it is known that diabetes mellitus is influenced by a number of known risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable), the influence and impact of these risk factors is likely to vary between countries. Previous research found that diabetes mellitus in Mexico is associated with higher age, lower education, public health system, living in an urban area, and higher BMI ( 4 , 6 , 7 ). Whilst we show some similarities with already known risk factors (older age and BMI), our study shows other risk factors that were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus, including sex difference (females), low education level and low physical activity.…”

“…Previous cross-sectional studies using Mexican national surveys indicate that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing: 7.5% in 2000 ( 4 ), 9.2% in 2012 ( 5 ), 13.7% in 2016 ( 6 ), 14.7% in 2018 ( 7 ), and 16.9% in 2021 ( 8 ). It is now estimated that one in two children will develop diabetes mellitus in the future due to weight and lack of physical activity unless public health policies change ( 9 ).…”

“…Previous studies have examined the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors in Mexico ( 4 , 6 , 7 ), showing significant associations with age, education, access to and type of health system, living in a rural area, and BMI; however there are no studies comparing significant risk factors of diabetes mellitus in Mexico over an 11 year period. Temporal information is essential for the development of targeted health policy strategies, especially since an incremental trend in the economic burden of diabetes mellitus in Mexico is predicted ( 20 ).…”

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the relationship of obesity with diabetes among the general community of Pakistan

“…When compare with statistics of other countries, Pakistan is facing a higher prevalence of T2D. Brazillian and Mexico population has prevalence of 8.8% [ 33 ], much lower than Pakistan [ 28 , 31 ]. Type 2 diabetes and obesity have a significant relationship [ 34 , 35 ] as body mass index (BMI) and type 2 diabetes risk and severity correlate positively [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Risk-Profile and Feature Selection Comparison in Diabetic Retinopathy

“…Furthermore, it can lead to an increased risk of complications which impact people's quality of life, their finances, and generate an economic burden for the health system. It is important to point out that T2D is prevalent in Latin Americans due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle risk factors [3]. For the specific case of Mexico, the annual cost generated by DM is 17 billion USD; it is also in the list of the top ten countries with undiagnosed diabetics, where 4.9 million people have DM and do not know it.…”