Global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2044: a systematic analysis across SDI levels for the global burden of disease study 2021.

Background: We aimed to assess temporal trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) at global and cross-social demographic index (SDI) levels, using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) in 2021.

Methods: We used geospatial mapping to visualize the global distribution of T2DM-related mortality and DALYs in 2021. Joinpoint regression assessed annual and average percent changes in DALYs and deaths from 1990 to 2021 across SDI regions. Age-period-cohort modeling examined the effects of age, period, and cohort on trends. Decomposition analysis evaluated the impact of population growth, aging, and epidemiological changes on DALY trends. A stratified projection forecasted future T2DM burden by age and sex from 2020 to 2044.

Results: T2DM-related mortality and DALYs were highest in low-SDI regions. Globally, T2DM-related deaths and DALYs have increased, with the most rapid rise in low and low-middle SDI regions, driven by population growth and epidemiological shifts. High-SDI countries showed a slower increase in DALYs, influenced more by aging. Age-period-cohort analysis indicated higher DALY rates in later birth cohorts and recent periods, especially in high-SDI regions. Future projections show a significant increase in the 70-74 age group and a gradual rise in other age groups.

Conclusion: The burden of T2DM is projected to continue increasing, especially in low-SDI and low-middle SDI regions, where population growth and epidemiological shifts are the main contributors. This underscores the need for targeted, region-specific healthcare policies, preventive strategies, and age-specific interventions to address the increasing T2DM burden globally.