Estimation of Years of Life Lost Due to Premature Mortality from Diabetes Mellitus in Bahia - Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) in Bahia, Brazil, is a critical public health issue, intensified by socioeconomic inequalities. Years of life lost (YLL) highlight healthcare access gaps, impacting vulnerable populations. Enhanced healthcare infrastructure, education, and policy changes are essential to reduce DM morbidity and premature mortality. Objective To quantify the societal burden of DM in Bahia, Brazil, by estimating YLL due to premature mortality between 2000 and 2023. Method This study uses a quantitative epidemiological approach to estimate YLL due to DM in Bahia, Brazil (2000–2023). Mortality data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and demographic projections from IBGE were analyzed. YLL was calculated by multiplying deaths by remaining life expectancy (using GBD 2019 reference tables), stratified by age and sex. Statistical analysis employed PSPP, Excel, and Python, with results presented as rates per 100,000 population. Socioeconomic and healthcare factors were contextualized using government reports and academic literature. Results The study analyzed YLL due to DM in Bahia (2000–2023), revealing an upward trend, peaking in 2020 (422.6/100,000), likely exacerbated by COVID-19. Males showed higher premature mortality than females (34.9 vs. 29.8/100,000 in 2020). Economic losses reached ~41 million BRL (2020–2022). Rising YLL reflects growing DM burden, with socioeconomic impacts including lost productivity and household instability. Gender disparities suggest differences in healthcare access, biological susceptibility, or lifestyle factors, necessitating targeted interventions. Conclusion Bahia faces rising diabetes-related premature deaths, worsening post-2015 and spiking during COVID-19. Men show higher mortality, with severe socioeconomic impacts, requiring urgent public health and economic strategies.