On November 14, the "World Diabetes Day" was commemorated, a disease that has become one of the leading causes of death in Mexico, a public health problem that demands priority attention and effective actions. These alarming figures reveal the seriousness of the situation and underline the need to intensify efforts in prevention and treatment for the population.
With 14 million people living with diabetes in the country (12% of the total population), according to the Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Industry Research (AMIIF), this disease is the second leading cause of death nationwide. Older adults, especially those aged 55 and over, constitute the most affected group, accounting for nearly 80% of related deaths. Additionally, some states such as Puebla, Veracruz, Tlaxcala, State of Mexico and Tabasco stand out with higher mortality rates from diabetes.
Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, economic inequality, limited access to adequate nutrition, and lack of health education have contributed to the increase of diabetes in the country. These disparities reflect social and economic factors that influence the incidence and control of this disease. Type 2 diabetes represents the majority of cases in our country and is, of course, related to factors such as overweight, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition, among others.
Although some initiatives aim to reduce the consumption of products that promote diabetes, the impact has been limited, and there remains a large gap in access to quality health services for its prevention and treatment. The "World Diabetes Day" is a key moment to raise awareness and carry out actions to help improve the situation in the country, such as free glucose tests aimed at identifying cases at early stages.
Stopping the increase in cases and reducing mortality rates linked to diabetes will require collaboration from society, the government, and the health sector. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, daily physical activity, a diet low in sugars and fats, and moderation in tobacco and alcohol consumption. Additionally, early diagnosis is essential to reduce complications, especially in people with risk factors, such as family history of diabetes, overweight and obesity.
Mexico has implemented policies to reduce risk factors associated with diabetes, such as front labeling on processed foods and taxes on sugary drinks, but much remains to be done. In 2023, there were 110,059 deaths from complications arising from this disease, representing 14% of total deaths in the country. Unless these structural factors are addressed, the problem of diabetes in Mexico will continue to be a significant burden for the national health system.
