Key result
Low physical activity-related type 2 diabetes DALY rate increased ~1% annually from 1990 to 2021.
Observational
Yes
Effect estimate: EAPC 0.97 (95% CI 0.93-1.02)
The global burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to low physical activity has more than doubled from 1990 to 2021, highlighting an urgent need for targeted physical activity promotion, especially in low-middle and middle SDI regions.
BACKGROUND: Low physical activity (LPA) is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examine the temporal and spatial trends in the burden of T2DM attributable to LPA at the global, regional, and country scales. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The numbers of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of LPA-related T2DM, and the corresponding age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) were compared across regions and countries by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI). The annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in the ASMR or ASDR were calculated to quantify temporal trends from 1990 to 2021. We also quantified the relationship between SDI and the ASMR and ASDR of T2DM attributable to LPA. RESULTS: Globally, the number of T2DM deaths and DALYs attributable to LPA were approximately 0.15 million and 5.52 million respectively in 2021, which more than doubled compared to 1990. Over the past 32 years, the global EAPCs of ASMR and ASDR were 0.26 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.31) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.02), respectively. The ASMR or ASDR had a reverse U-shaped relationship with the SDI, with the most severe burden observed in the low-middle and middle SDI regions. The age group older than 60 years had the highest rate of DALYs for LPA-related T2DM in 2021, while the 25-44 age group showed the largest increase between 1990 and 2021. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 32 years, the global burden of LPA-related T2DM has continued to increase at an alarming rate in almost all countries, particularly in regions with low-middle and middle SDI. Substantial increases in national action are urgently needed to target elder populations especially in low-middle and middle SDI regions, and special efforts should be made to promote physical activity in young adults with LPA.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wei et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low physical activity was evaluated on Annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) (EAPC 0.97, 95% CI 0.93-1.02). From 1990 to 2021, the global age-standardized DALYs rate for type 2 diabetes attributable to low physical activity increased significantly (EAPC 0.97; 95% CI 0.93-1.02).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: