Oaxaca faces a high burden of diabetes and metabolic syndrome in a context of structural inequality.

Oaxaca Faces High Burden of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome in a Context of Structural Inequality. Oaxaca, Mexico. A recent analysis of the situation regarding type II diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome reveals a worrying combination of high disease prevalence and profound social inequalities that limit effective access to healthcare, especially in rural and indigenous communities.

According to the 2021–2024 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), the prevalence of diabetes in Mexico reaches 17.0% in adults, of whom 5.4% have not been diagnosed, highlighting significant shortcomings in timely detection. Furthermore, although a high proportion receives treatment, only 33% achieve adequate glycemic control, reflecting gaps in the quality of care and medical follow-up.

Metabolic syndrome—a cluster of risk factors including abdominal obesity, hypertension, and impaired glucose tolerance—is more prevalent in rural areas and among women, highlighting territorial and gender inequalities that increase the vulnerability of these groups.

In the state of Oaxaca, structural conditions exacerbate this situation. According to data from CONEVAL and COPLADE (2022), 58.4% of the population lives in poverty and 20.2% in extreme poverty. This is compounded by a 65.7% lack of access to health services, over 64% lack social security, an educational lag of nearly 29%, and 28.6% lack access to nutritious, quality food. Furthermore, 61.4% of the population has insufficient income, limiting their ability to afford medical treatments, access an adequate diet, and ensure self-care.

The situation is even more critical among Indigenous populations, where poverty levels are higher and incomes are significantly lower, particularly for women. These conditions reflect a structural inequality that directly impacts the exercise of fundamental rights such as health, food, education, and social security.

From a gender and human rights perspective, the analysis also identifies key barriers such as the burden of unpaid care work—primarily borne by women—low economic autonomy, and a lack of cultural and linguistic appropriateness in health services. These limitations hinder timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Experts agree that this context demands comprehensive interventions that address not only the disease itself but also its social determinants.

Developing targeted strategies with intercultural relevance and a gender perspective is essential to reducing gaps, improving quality of life, and guaranteeing effective access to rights for the most vulnerable populations. This situation underscores the urgent need to strengthen health systems, expand service coverage, guarantee essential medicines, and promote preventive actions to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in Oaxaca.