DEATHS FROM COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN BRAZIL: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF A DECADE (2013-2023)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a significant chronic disease, responsible for 60% of the global burden of disease and 72% of deaths. By 2045, it is expected to affect 693 million adults, with type 2 diabetes being the most common. In Brazil, DM is a public health problem, requiring epidemiological studies to develop effective prevention and management policies. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective and descriptive epidemiological study was carried out using data from DATASUS on deaths from complications of diabetes mellitus in Brazil from 2013 to 2023. The research, based on publicly accessible secondary information, quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the epidemiological profile of 64,710 cases, addressing indicators such as sex, region, age group, annual incidence and race. The data was analyzed and presented using graphs, eliminating the need for approval from the Ethics Committee. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: During 2013-2023, there were 64,710 deaths from complications of diabetes mellitus in adults in Brazil. The death rate ranged from 9.72% in 2013 to 8.18% in 2023. The drop through 2018 can be attributed to improvements in diagnosis, treatment and access to healthcare, but the increases in 2020 and 2021 could be due to the lethality of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes. The majority of deaths occurred in women (53.33%), with the elderly between 70-79 years old representing the most affected age group. The Southeast, Northeast and South regions had the highest mortality rates, reflecting socioeconomic and health differences. The predominance of deaths among mixed race people suggests structural inequalities and inequalities in access to healthcare. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The research showed a drop in deaths from diabetes until 2018, attributed to improvements in treatment and access to healthcare. However, increases in 2020 and 2021, possibly due to COVID-19, highlight the need for targeted strategies to reduce inequities in access to healthcare.