Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its social significance in middle-aged women

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a non-communicable disease with a major socio-health impact due to its high prevalence, chronic complications, associated disability, and mortality; it significantly affects middle-aged women. Therefore, the objective was to describe the social impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on middle-aged women. A literature review was conducted to describe the social impact of this condition in middle-aged women, the factors associated with its rising incidence in this demographic, and potential solutions. A total of 140 articles were consulted, with 47 of the most significant selected from databases including PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, Ecimed, Redalyc, and Elsevier between July and December 2025. The study concluded that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a broad social issue with a high prevalence among middle-aged women, as it affects the finances of the patient, the family, society, and healthcare systems—generating high care costs—while also causing multiple complications, work incapacity, disability, and premature mortality. Strategies to address this growing social problem include diabetes education for healthy individuals and those at risk, as well as screening to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment, thereby preventing long-term complications, disability, and early mortality.