Global and Regional Burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Attributable to Low Physical Activity From 1990 to 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) contributes to the heavy burden, but there lacks latest and comprehensive global research on the burden of T2DM attributable to low physical activity (LPA). This study aimed to quantify the global and regional burden of T2DM attributable to LPA from 1990 to 2021.

We utilized data including disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (ASDR), and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021. We assessed the burden across different ages, genders, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression analysis was applied to estimated average annual percent change (AAPC).

Between 1990 and 2021, DALYs and mortality of T2DM attributable to LPA increased rapidly. There was an increase in the ASDR and ASMR, with AAPC of 1.09 (95% CI: 1.03-1.16) and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.2-0.43), which was increased faster in males. Low-middle SDI countries have the highest ASDR and highest ASMR. The global PAF for ASDR and ASMR in 2021 is 7.38% and 9.45%. A U-shaped drift pattern was observed in most SDI quintiles in APC model. Population growth is a major contributor to the burden of T2DM, especially in countries with low SDI. Epidemiological changes also play an important role in DALYs and mortality. A negative correlation existed between SDI and both ASMR and ASDR.

Between 1990 and 2021, there was a marked rise in the global burden of T2DM associated with LPA. The findings lay the groundwork for informed decision-making a public health and healthcare delivery.