Diabetes mellitus type 2 epidemiology
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Global Prevalence and Trends
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has seen a dramatic increase globally over the past few decades. The number of people with diabetes has more than doubled, making it a significant public health challenge worldwide Zheng2018Chen2012. Currently, about 1 in 11 adults globally have diabetes, with 90% of these cases being T2DM . The prevalence of T2DM is projected to continue rising, with estimates suggesting an increase from 6.28% of the global population in 2017 to 7.08% by 2030 .
Regional Hotspots
Asia
Asia, particularly China and India, is a major epicenter of the T2DM epidemic. Rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes have contributed significantly to the rising prevalence in these regions .
South Africa
In South Africa, T2DM is a major source of morbidity and mortality, driven by increased urbanization and unhealthy lifestyle factors. Local epidemiological data are crucial for informing health planning and policy .
Brazil
Brazil is another critical region, with the country having the fourth largest number of people with diabetes globally. The prevalence of T2DM in Brazil highlights the alarming situation in emerging societies .
Nigeria
In Nigeria, the prevalence of T2DM among individuals aged 20-79 years increased from 2.0% in 1990 to 5.7% in 2015. This rise underscores the growing burden of T2DM in the country, with many cases remaining undiagnosed .
Risk Factors
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and obesity are significant drivers of the T2DM epidemic. Other contributing factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and air pollution Zheng2018DeFronzo2015Bellou2018. Sedentary lifestyles and high television watching time are also associated with increased risk .
Genetic and Developmental Factors
Genetic predisposition plays a role in individual susceptibility to T2DM. Additionally, early developmental factors, such as intrauterine exposures, can influence the risk of developing T2DM later in life Zheng2018Chen2012.
Biomarkers and Medical Conditions
Several biomarkers, including increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, uric acid, and C-reactive protein, are linked to higher T2DM risk. Medical conditions such as high systolic blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and metabolic syndrome also contribute to the risk .
Complications and Mortality
Individuals with T2DM are at high risk for both microvascular complications (e.g., retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and macrovascular complications (e.g., cardiovascular diseases) . Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among T2DM patients . In Nigeria, common complications include hyperglycemic emergencies, diabetic foot, and cardiovascular diseases, with a significant hospital admission rate and a case fatality rate of 22% .
Conclusion
The global burden of T2DM is rising, with significant regional variations and numerous contributing factors. Addressing this epidemic requires a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle modifications, early detection, and effective management strategies. Public health policies must focus on prevention and control to mitigate the impact of T2DM worldwide.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic