Global regional, and national burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to dietary factors from 1990 to 2021

The study comprehensively assesses the global burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) linked to dietary factors from 1990 to 2021. Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) was analyzed for T2D dietary risk factors across 204 countries, using age-standardized metrics and SDI quintiles, with joinpoint regression and other analytical methods. The results revealed a significant increase in the global burden of T2D, with a 1.92-fold rise in DALYs and a 1.28-fold rise in total mortality cases due to dietary risks. High intake of processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages were identified as major contributors to the increasing burden, whereas the age-standardized mortality rates attributable to low vegetable intake declined over time. The study also emphasized the impact of age, period, and cohort effects on the incidence of T2D, along with the growing health disparity gaps between high and low SDI countries. The study emphasizes the importance of dietary interventions to reduce T2D burden, suggesting a decrease in processed meat and sugary drink consumption and an increase in vegetable intake. It calls for global strategies to address health disparities and improve equitable access to health resources.