Análise epidemiológica das internações hospitalares por Diabetes Mellitus na região nordeste do Brasil: um estudo ecológico entre 2012 e 2022

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), including diabetes mellitus (DM), are the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. The increase in DM cases, influenced by demographic transition and lifestyle changes, is reflected in mortality rates from the disease, representing a significant economic burden. Considered a Primary Care Sensitive Condition (PCSC), the importance of efficient management in primary care to prevent hospitalizations is highlighted. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the epidemiology of hospitalizations for diabetes mellitus in the Northeast region of Brazil during the period from 2012 to 2022. METHODS: This is an epidemiological study, of an ecological type, retrospective and descriptive nature, carried out using secondary data collected from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), through the TABNET platform of the Department of Informatics of the SUS (DATASUS). RESULTS: The results showed stability in the total number of hospitalizations for diabetes mellitus in the Northeast between 2012 and 2022, accompanied by a reduction in person-year incidence. The majority of those hospitalized were elderly, women, and people of mixed race, with Bahia registering the highest number of cases. Furthermore, most hospitalizations occurred on an emergency basis, and the hospital mortality rate remained stable throughout the period.

CONCLUSION: The study allowed the identification of relevant patterns in hospitalizations for DM in the Northeast region, demonstrating the importance of epidemiological monitoring to support public policies and prevention strategies. The findings reinforce the need to strengthen primary care, expanding access to preventive measures and improving disease management to reduce complications and avoidable hospitalizations.