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

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.

Automated summary

Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in Latin American populations, with significant differences in prevalence, complications and healthcare issues between Brazil and Mexico. Mexicans have a higher likelihood of developing complications, especially visual impairment, compared to Brazilians. Various factors affect the risk of complications, with living with diabetes for more than 15 years being the principal risk factor.