Harbin Medical University, China, conducted a study that found that cases of diabetes are on the rise due to obesity. Data examining its incidence in 200 countries shows that type 2 diabetes is mainly a problem for women under 30. The trend is worrying as the disease primarily occurs among the middle-aged. Moreover, type 2 diabetes increases the risk of vision loss, cardiovascular disease, peripheral nerve damage, and death.
The cases of diabetes have increased since 1990
Researchers from China have found that cases of type 2 diabetes are increasing globally. The incidence was previously 117 cases among 100,000 people in 1990 but was 183 for every 100,000 in 2019. For their research, the team used the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). These rose worldwide from 106 for every 100,000 in 1990 to 150 in every 100,000 in 2019. In addition, death rates due to type 2 diabetes have also increased during this period.
The researchers also found higher DALY rates and mortality rates among women under 30 than their male counterparts. However, the mortality rates reversed after they were over 30 though they remained similar for those in developing countries.
Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes
A major risk factor for diabetes is a high body mass index (BMI) going up over recent years. A high BMI also increases the risk of DALYs. For this reason, the research team believes that controlling weight is the key to preventing diabetes. They added that countries should develop policies to deal with obesity effectively.
Data from 2019 indicated that the highest type 2 diabetes occurred among middle and low-middle sociodemographic index countries. Furthermore, countries with low sociodemographic indexes had the least diagnoses of type 2 diabetes but the highest mortality rates.
This study is the first that investigates the burden of type 2 diabetes globally. It is also the first to compare its impact in countries of different sociodemographic statuses and sexes. Interestingly, the risk factors for this disease had been unclear before the research. The findings of this study give an insight into the epidemic nature of the disease and call for nations to act urgently to prevent type 2 diabetes.
