Global, Regional, and National Prevalence for Type 2 Diabetes Among Women of Childbearing Age, 1992–2021: An Age–Period–Cohort Analysis Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

TL;DR

Type 2 diabetes in women of childbearing age has risen globally since 1992, with the biggest increases in low-income regions, highlighting the need for focused healthcare efforts.

Contribution

This study provides a comprehensive global analysis of T2DM prevalence trends among women of childbearing age using age-period-cohort modeling.

Findings

In 2021, 73.86 million women of childbearing age had T2DM globally.

Low SDI regions saw sharper increases in T2DM prevalence compared to high SDI regions.

Projections suggest continued rising trends in T2DM prevalence through 2030.

Abstract

In 2021, global T2DM prevalence among WCBAs reached 73.86 million (95% UI: 63.43–85.32 million), with China, India, and the United States leading. Greenland exhibited the largest rise in age‐standardized prevalence (7.93%), with an annual increase of 11.32% (95% UI: 8.33%–14.39%). From 1992 to 2021, prevalence rose in 195 countries, declined in eight, and remained stable in one. Prevalence increased with age, peaking in women aged 45–49, and was higher in low‐SDI regions, which also experienced sharper increases. Period and cohort effects worsened globally, particularly in low‐SDI regions. Population growth drove burden increases in low‐SDI areas, while epidemiological factors dominated in high‐SDI regions. T2DM‐related visual impairment was more severe in low‐ and medium‐SDI regions. Projections for 2022–2030 predict unfavorable increasing trends. T2DM prevalence among WCBAs has steadily risen since 1992, with worsening inequalities and healthcare disparities. Projections to 2030 underscore the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies, particularly in low‐ and medium‐SDI regions.

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