Background: This paper describes the health and economic burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Mexico and other mega-countries through a review of literature and datasets. Methods: Mega-countries with a low (Nigeria), middle (India), high (China/Brazil/Mexico), and very high (the U.S.A./Japan) human development index were included. The review was focused on prevalence of dyslipidemias and CVD economic impact and conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Public datasets of CVD indicators were explored. Results: Heterogeneity in economic data and limited information on dyslipidemias were found. Hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were higher in Mexico compared with other countries. Higher contribution of dietary risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and greater probability of dying prematurely from CVD were observed in developing countries. From 1990–2016, a greater decrease in cardiovascular mortality in developed countries was registered. In 2015, a CVD expense equivalent to 4% of total health expenditure was reported in Mexico. CVD ranked first in health expenditures in almost all these nations and the economic burden will remain significant for decades to come. Conclusions: Resources should be assured to optimize CVD risk monitoring. Educational and medical models must be improved to enhance CVD diagnosis and the prescription and adherence to treatments. Long-term benefits could be attained by modifying the food system.

Objective. To estimate energy contribution (EC) of food groups in 2016, to compare consumption against Mexican Dietary Guidelines, and to examine changes in EC from 2012 to 2016. Materials and methods. We analyzed 24-hour dietary recalls from the 2012 and 2016 National Health and Nutrition Surveys (Ensanut). Foods and beverages were clas­sified into eight food groups: cereals, legumes, dairy, meats, fruit and vegetables, fats and oils, sugar-sweetened beverages, and high in saturated fat and added sugar (HSFAS) products. Results. Cereals had the highest EC (30.1%), followed by meats (15.9%), HSFAS products (15.5%), and SSBs (10.5%). Fruits and vegetables, and legumes had the lowest contribu­tion with 6.4 and 3.8%, respectively. SSBs, meats, and HSFAS products were 250, 59 and 55% above the recommended intake, respectively. Conclusions. This analysis confirms the need to generate a food environment conducive to a healthier diet.

Early diagnosis and control of diabetes can reduce premature mortality and disability. We described the diabetes prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in Mexico City. Data came from the Mexico City Representative Diabetes Survey, conducted between May to June 2015. Participants (20–69 y, n = 1307) reported their diabetes condition, treatment, and outcomes. Fasting blood samples were collected and HbA1c, blood glucose, and blood lipids were determined. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify inequalities in diabetes prevalence and awareness. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 13.6% (95% CI: 11.7, 15.7). Of those living with diabetes, 70.5% were aware of their condition. Among those aware of their diabetes, around 10% to 65% received diabetes care according to international guidelines, and around 30% to 40% achieved HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, or blood pressure targets. Overall, only 4.1% of those aware of their diabetes achieved all treatment targets and 35.4% had never presented a diabetes complication. Diabetes prevalence was higher among older age groups and lower among the most educated. Having access to health care was associated with lower odds for diabetes and diabetes awareness. The low rates of diabetes awareness, treatment, and control highlight the urgent need of strengthening diabetes care in Mexico City.