Policy Implications for the Growing Diabetes Epidemic in Mexico

Increasing rates of diabetes in Mexico have lead health authorities to declare a state of emergency. It is estimated that in 2017 some 13 million, or 10% of people in Mexico have diabetes mellitus, with Type 2 diabetes being the leading cause of death and disability combined in that country. In fact, if rates continue to increase unabated, it is expected to have an adverse impact on the life expectancy of the country. The aim of this paper is to discuss the necessity of expanding health care policy regarding nutrition and the consumption of empty calories to combat the diabetes epidemic in Mexico as well as discussing the importance of exercise, health promotion and health education regarding non-communicable diseases, diabetes detection, and health coverage.