Evaluating the global impact of low physical activity on type 2 diabetes: Insights from the global burden of disease 2019 study.

AIM

We aimed to assess the global implications of low physical activity (LPA) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019.

METHODS

The analysis was conducted by examining the age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates over a 30-year period. To assess the trends, we utilized estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs).

RESULTS

The study revealed a notable increase in the burden of DALYs attributable to T2DM resulting from LPA, with an EAPC of 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.78-0.89). Among the regions examined, Oceania showed the highest burden, whereas Eastern Europe exhibited the lowest burden. Specifically, within the Central Asia region, a considerable increase in T2DM-LPA DALYs was observed, with an EAPC of 3.18 (95% confidence interval 3.01-3.36). The burden associated with T2DM-LPA DALYs was found to be similar between genders and increased across all age groups, peaking in the 80-84 years. Furthermore, there was a clear association between the socio-demographic index (SDI) and the age-standardized DALYs rate. Regions categorized as low-middle and middle SDI experienced a substantial rise in burden.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a substantial increase in the T2DM-LPA DALYs in low-middle and middle SDI regions, as well as among individuals aged 80-84 years. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing comprehensive global health interventions that promote physical activity, particularly targeting high-risk populations and regions.