Trends in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Parkinson's Disease Related Mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020

Abstract

Background: Emerging evidence indicates that individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are at an elevated risk of Parkinson's Disease (PD). While mortality trends for each condition have been studied individually, the combined burden of T2DM- and PD-related mortality remains poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate national trends and disparities in T2DM and PD related mortality among older adults in the United States (U.S.). from 1999 to 2020.

Methods: Using CDC WONDER database, we analyzed deaths among U.S. residents aged 65 + from 1999 to 2020, identifying T2DM (ICD-10: E11) and PD (ICD-10: G20) related deaths. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 individuals were calculated, and Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to estimate the annual percent change (APC).

Results: Between 1999 and 2020, a total of 26,020 deaths occurred among older adults with T2DM and PD. The AAMR increased from 1.65 in 1999 to 5.61 in 2020, with a sharp rise between 2015 and 2020 (APC: +14.42 %; 95 % CI: 11.22 to 20.80). Males experienced higher AAMRs than females (4.51 vs. 1.80). Across racial groups, Hispanic or Latino individuals exhibited the highest AAMR (3.61), while non-Hispanic Black Americans had the lowest (1.96). Non-metropolitan areas experienced higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas (3.64 vs. 2.71).

Conclusions: T2DM and PD-related mortality has surged over the past two decades, particularly since 2015, with significant racial, sex-based, and regional disparities. Targeted public health strategies are needed to address these growing health concerns.

Keywords: CDC WONDER; Diabetes Mellitus; Epidemiology; Mortality; Older adults; Parkinson’s.