Ministry of Health Urges Early Diabetes Prevention

Mexico’s Ministry of Health is calling for a stronger focus on early prevention and primary care to reduce the long-term burden of diabetes, emphasizing that serious complications can be prevented with proper management and timely intervention.

“Mexico faces significant health challenges as about 70% of individuals over 20 years old grapple with obesity or being overweight, which can lead to serious health issues,” says Augusto Muench, Country Managing Director, Boehringer Ingelheim Mexico, to MBN.  

During a recent federal press conference, David Kershenobich, Minister of Health, says it is a misconception that a diabetes diagnosis necessarily leads to kidney damage, blindness, amputations, or hypertension. He adds that the disease develops over time and can be prevented, delayed, or managed without complications through early diagnosis and individual prevention strategies.

An effective strategy to fight the prevalence of diabetes should recognize both the physical impact of diabetes and its psychological toll, according to Ana Cristina García, Specialist in Endocrinology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán. “The patient often goes through a grieving process, and if we do not help them navigate this mental health journey and begin making the necessary changes, the metabolic complications will advance,” says García.

Mental health plays a crucial role in identifying various barriers that may hinder a patient's ability to manage their condition effectively. One significant barrier is finances, as patients may prioritize basic needs over purchasing expensive medications or treatments, says García. There are also labor-related barriers, such as work commitments that prevent patients from engaging in physical exercise. Recognizing these obstacles allows healthcare providers to offer tailored solutions. By addressing both physical and mental barriers, patients are better equipped to adopt sustainable changes and ultimately achieve better outcomes, says García.

Kershenobich says preventive efforts are more effective when directed at high-risk groups, allowing people living with diabetes to maintain a normal life. He notes that early interventions can reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus by between 40% and 60%.

Among the main risk factors he identified are altered fasting glucose levels, including in people without symptoms; increased abdominal circumference; diets high in calories and ultra-processed foods; chronic stress; lack of preventive actions; and sleep disturbances. He says adopting healthy habits, particularly regular physical activity and balanced nutrition, plays a central role in prevention. Exercise, he adds, helps control weight, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers associated risks.

Family history is also a key factor. Shared genetic and lifestyle patterns increase the likelihood of developing the disease, Kershenobich says, making awareness of family medical history important for promoting preventive measures within households, especially among children and adolescents.

Gestational diabetes is another significant risk, says Kershenobich. Women who experience high glucose levels during pregnancy face a seven- to tenfold higher risk of developing diabetes later in life, he says. This history also raises the risk for their children, underscoring the need for medical follow-up after pregnancy as part of preventive care.

Over 14 million women in Mexico are estimated to live with diabetes, according to figures cited by AXA Keralty. Recent health statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) show a continued increase in diabetes-related deaths among women, reports MBN.

“Overweight and obesity are the main risk factors for developing diabetes,” says Avril Rey, Deputy Director, AXA Keralty Integrated Health System. 

Kershenobich says the health system should prioritize prevention, early care, and primary care services rather than focusing solely on treating complications. He adds that strengthening health education is essential to improving quality of life and long-term outcomes for the population.

Diabetes is a global epidemic affecting one in 10 adults, explains María Jesús Salido, CEO, SocialDiabetes. In 2024, only 500 million people worldwide received quality healthcare, while more than 7 billion lacked basic access. By 2050, the global population aged 60 and over will double, reaching 2.1 billion. At the same time, health spending is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.4%, driven largely by the rising burden of chronic diseases, which already account for over 75% of healthcare costs worldwide. 

“Managing Type 1 diabetes can cost an individual up to MX$500,000 (US$28,000) annually, while Type 2 diabetes can cost up to MX$1.2 million per year, with inflation in healthcare continually driving up costs. Changing habits is a more cost-effective strategy than managing a chronic illness,” says Karem Sánchez, Country Manager, USANA Health Sciences, to MBN. 

In addition to promoting lifestyle changes, the health system has also encouraged the food industry to contribute to prevention efforts, given its role in dietary patterns. PepsiCo and GEPP, for example, are advancing a broad reformulation effort aimed at lowering the calorie content across their beverage portfolio in Mexico, marking what both companies describe as their most extensive transformation in more than a decade. The initiative reflects their joint commitment to expanding consumer options with products aligned to national health and wellness priorities.

Fiscal policy has also been used to support public health, reports MBN. On Jan. 1, 2026, the country implemented higher excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, noncaloric sweetened drinks, and tobacco products following approval of the federal economic package. Authorities say the measures aim to reduce consumption associated with chronic diseases while increasing public revenue.

“Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease,” says Tedros Adhanom, Director General, World Health Organization. The agency has urged governments to strengthen taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco to curb harmful consumption and generate funding for health services.

The tax adjustments were enacted through amendments to the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS), in place since 1980 and expanded to sugary drinks in 2014. Under the new provisions, the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages increased from MX$1.64 (US$0.09) to MX$3.08 (US$0.17) per liter, an increase of about 87%. Cigarettes sold in packs are now subject to an ad valorem rate of 200%, up from 160%. For the first time, beverages marketed as “light” or “zero,” which contain no sugar or calories but contain sweeteners, are taxed at MX$1.5 per liter.