Diabetes Emerges as another Significant Epidemic Globally, Particularly in Mexico during the 21st Century

In Mexico, diabetes and prediabetes are significant health issues, particularly affecting individuals with lower education levels and socioeconomic status, according to the Ensanut 2022 report.

The report reveals that approximately 18% of the population in Mexico, representing 14.6 million people, have diabetes, with the prevalence being higher among those with lower education levels. In contrast, only around 9% of those with the highest education level are affected by diabetes. The trend is similar for prediabetes, with a nationwide prevalence of 22%.

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in Mexico stands at 8.7% for low socioeconomic level, 13.4% for medium, and 14.8% for high socioeconomic level. However, the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes is higher, particularly among those in lower socioeconomic groups, with 6.3% in the lowest group, 6.0% in the medium, and 5.2% in the highest.

Adherence to treatment is crucial for controlling diabetes in Mexico, given that more than 60% of the population does not have adequate levels of glucose, specifically glycated hemoglobin.

On a global scale, diabetes affects 531 million people worldwide, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), with three out of four adults with diabetes living in poor or developing countries. By 2030, it is estimated that the number of people with diabetes will increase to 643 million, and by 2050, the number could reach 1.3 billion, according to a series of studies carried out by The Lancet magazine.

Diabetes is the second leading cause of death in Mexico. Given these statistics, it is clear that close information is needed to acquire hygienic dietary habits that favour people in low-income areas, as adherence to treatment is essential for controlling diabetes.

Diabetes Emerges as another Significant Epidemic Globally, Particularly in Mexico during the 21st Century