Global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus attributable to household air pollution from solid fuels, 1990 to 2021, and projections to 2044: An epidemiological analysis in adults aged 55 years and older

This study utilized the 2021 Global Burden of Disease data to analyze the global trends of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) burden attributable to household air pollution from solid fuels (HAPSF) in individuals aged 55 and above. The background emphasizes the significance of HAPSF as a global health issue, particularly in low and low-middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions. The study employed geospatial visualization and joinpoint regression analysis to examine the trends in T2DM-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. The methodology involved a detailed exploration of the Global Burden of Disease database, along with comparative analysis of data across different SDI regions. The study showed a global pattern of rising then falling T2DM deaths and DALYs. Low SDI areas saw DALYs increase from 1990 to 1995, and low-middle SDI regions from 2005 to 2008. High SDI countries had DALY decreases, with aging a major influence. Age-period analysis indicated high SDI regions' DALYs were higher recently, especially affecting the elderly. The study anticipates a rise in T2DM burden from HAPSF, notably in low and low-middle SDI areas, due to population growth and epidemiological shifts. It calls for targeted policies and interventions to mitigate this burden. Projections also indicate an initial T2DM case increase in the 65 to 69 age group, followed by a decline.