Review: Type 2 diabetes in Latin America and the Caribbean: Regional and country comparison on prevalence, trends, costs and expanded prevention

Abstract

Purpose: To present an overview of type 2 diabetes status in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Methods: The data were collected from the International Diabetes Federation Atlas and other available published sources where we identified the prevalence in Latin America and the Caribbean, the trends by regions, and sex. Also, we summarized the type 2 diabetes direct and indirect costs, and the current preventative programs and policies available for each region.

Results: Latin America and the Caribbean has one of the fastest-growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, in particular the Caribbean region. Costs are relatively high in Central American countries and the Caribbean Islands. Currently, type 2 diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and management are insufficient in Latin America and the Caribbean and they do not offer a multidisciplinary integrative approach.

Conclusion: Effective and preventive multidisciplinary policies should be implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean to decrease the high burden of type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Costs; Latin America; Prevalence; Type 2 diabetes.