Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibits a notably high prevalence across the Western Pacific region, resulting in considerable disease burden and substantial productivity losses. Accordingly, the present study investigated the disease burden and associated productivity losses attributable to T2DM among adults, while also forecasting the disease burden through 2050. This investigation adopted a quantitative approach and drew upon datasets obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the World Bank, the United Nations, and the International Labor Organization. The burden of disease was quantified using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), whereas productivity losses were calculated through the human capital method. Future disease burden was projected by employing a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model. In 2021, the age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) in the region reached 624.55 per 100,000 population, with Fiji recording the greatest burden and Australia the smallest. From 1990 to 2021, the overall disease burden followed an increasing trajectory accompanied by fluctuations. Projections based on the BAPC model indicate that the ASDR will rise to 2243.12 per 100,000 population by 2050. The estimated annual productivity loss attributable to T2DM in the region exceeds 220 billion U.S. dollar (USD). China showed a marked increase in productivity loss over the study period. Japan reported the highest absolute losses, but the growth in these losses leveled off after 2010. Emerging economies showed accelerating increases in productivity loss, whereas small island states showed substantial variability. Over the past three decades, the disease burden and productivity loss from T2DM in the Western Pacific region have increased, and projections indicate that this upward trend will continue. Comprehensive and sustainable interventions, including health policies, educational initiatives, and social protection measures, are needed to reduce disparities associated with T2DM. • T2DM age-standardized DALYs rate in Western Pacific rose to 624.55 per 100,000 population in 2021. • Productivity loss from T2DM exceeded USD 220 billion annually in the region. • Projected ASDR for T2DM will reach 2243.12 per 100,000 population by 2050. • The burden of disease and productivity loss with T2DM in the Western Pacific region has increased over the past three decades, and projections indicate that this trend will continue in the future.
Dong et al. (Sun,) studied this question.