Rising Mortality Rates from Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease in Latin America: A Wake-Up Call

New research by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reveals a disturbing trend: mortality rates from diabetes-associated kidney disease have increased in most Latin American countries over the past two decades. The study, which analyzed epidemiological data from 33 countries in the American continent, shines a spotlight on the urgent need to improve the quality of diabetes healthcare, particularly at the primary healthcare level. But why is this so significant, and what can be done about it?

Unveiling a Silent Killer

Diabetes is a chronic illness that can lead to numerous complications if not properly managed, one of which is kidney disease. Diabetes damages the kidneys by causing them to filter too much blood, overworking them over time. Eventually, this can lead to kidney failure, a potentially fatal condition.

According to the study, a significant increase in mortality rates from diabetes-associated kidney disease has been observed in Latin America. This alarming trend underscores the necessity of improving prevention and control efforts for diabetes to contain the rising mortality rates from diabetic kidney disease.

The researchers also highlighted the need for greater involvement of primary care to allow for early diagnosis and effective management of diabetes and kidney disease. Early detection and management can significantly reduce complications and improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.

Regional Differences in Mortality Rates

Interestingly, the study revealed profound differences in diabetes and diabetic kidney disease mortality between various countries in the region. This suggests that healthcare quality and access vary across the region, leading to disparities in health outcomes.

An article in ScienceDirect discusses the regional variation in cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes, with a focus on the increase in mortality rates from diabetes-associated kidney disease in Latin America. The leading causes of non-cardiovascular deaths varied by region, with non-malignant non-cardiovascular deaths being most common in Latin America.

Data Quality and Access to Healthcare

The PAHO study also indicated disparities in the quality of data provided by the countries, making it difficult to estimate the actual mortality associated with diabetes. Accurate data is crucial to developing effective health policies and strategies aimed at reducing the burden of diabetes and its complications.

Moreover, the study authors stressed the importance of assessing health status and having a basis for recommendations to design health policies according to the needs of the populations. This approach acknowledges the multifaceted and multicultural nature of the Americas region, which shows differences in access levels and the quality of healthcare services.

The PAHO and WHO Initiative

In response to the rising mortality rates from diabetic kidney disease, PAHO is implementing the World Health Organization's Global Diabetes Compact. This initiative aims to improve the control of diabetic kidney disease and expand equitable access to integrated and comprehensive health services.

The Way Forward

Despite the challenges, there are reasons to be hopeful. With increased funding, training, and capacity building in resource-poor regions, the imbalance between low resource and affluent regions in terms of genetic research and testing can be reduced. The increased incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease worldwide, particularly in resource poor countries, can be addressed effectively.

As the study on Mexican Americans living in South Texas shows, diabetes is a significant risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The high burden of PAD in the population, despite a relatively younger mean age than other studied Hispanic cohorts, underscores the urgent need to tackle diabetes and its complications.

In conclusion, the rising mortality rates from diabetes-related kidney disease in Latin America are a wake-up call for all stakeholders. From improving primary healthcare to enhancing data quality, there is a lot of work to be done. The time to act is now.