Comparative Mortality from Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Socio-Demographic Factors between Mexico and Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, an important public health problem that significantly affects several Latin American countries, is one of the main causes of mortality for Mexico and Colombia.

Objective: To analyze the trends and some risk factors potentially associated with mortality from diabetes mellitus between Colombia and Mexico.

Methods: An epidemiological, observational-analytical study of secondary sources, ecological type, comparing mortality trends among Colombia and Mexico between 2000 and 2017. Mortality rates were estimated by country, sex, and year of occurrence; multiple analysis models were used to determine sociodemographic factors potentially associated with mortality.

Results: During the study period, there was an increased risk of mortality from diabetes mellitus in Mexico. A 28% higher chance of death from diabetes mellitus was found in Mexican men compared to Colombians; and a 45% higher risk of death in Mexicans aged 40 to 59, compared to Colombians. According to the area of residence, Mexicans in rural areas were 4 times more likely to die than those who lived in urban areas, compared to Colombians. All these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This research provides relevant information on mortality from DM, by estimating the magnitude of the phenomenon and making comparisons over nearly two decades in two Latin American countries. The impact of diabetes mellitus was observed mainly in Mexico, where it is currently the leading cause of mortality.