Background Type 2 diabetes is more frequent in Latin American people than in non-Hispanic whites due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle risk factors. Brazil and Mexico are the most populous countries in Latin America. The present study aimed to compare the results of the National Health Survey “PNS” in Brazil and the National Survey Health and Nutrition “ENSANUT” in Mexico regarding the prevalence, complications and healthcare issues of diabetes in both countries. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the National Health Survey (PNS) of 2013 in Brazil and the National Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT) of 2018 in Mexico. The prevalence of diabetes, complications and risk factors related to developing diabetes were considered. Results The respondents included 3636 individuals in Brazil and 4555 individuals in Mexico. There were significant differences in age and time living with diabetes between the two countries. Mexican people had twice as likely as Brazilian people to have a complication (p < 0.0001). The principal risk factor (OR 2.47; p ≤ 0.0001) for developing any diabetic complication was living with diabetes for more than 15 years. Visual impairment was the most frequent complication in both countries, but it was more prevalent in Mexico (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions Diabetes complications are important health problems in Brazil and Mexico. Visual impairment was the principal complication in both countries. Several factors, such as access to and type of health system, living in a rural area, treatment, BMI and performing preventive actions, affected the risk of developing a complication. However, living with diabetes for more than 15 years was the principal risk factor. National health surveys have added significant information on the impact of diabetes in these Latin American populations. This comparison of data could provide valuable information to guide national policies and program decisions in both countries.

[EXSCINDED] Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Background Brazil and Mexico are the most populous countries in Latin America. Diabetes is a global growing problem. Although there are laws in the constitutions of both countries, Mexico and Brazil, regarding ensuring access to health, emphasizing the issue of diabetes, both populations are affected for this disease from different perspectives. The objective of this study was comparing the results of the National Health Survey “PNS” in Brazil and the National Survey Health and Nutrition “ENSANUT” in Mexico regarding prevalence, complications and healthcare issues of diabetes in both countries.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the National Health Survey (PNS) in Brazil, and the National Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT) in Mexico. The variables used in the PNS were taken from module P - Lifestyles and the Q module - Chronic Diseases The corresponding variables were searched in ENSANUT, module III - Diabetes Mellitus and module XIII - Risk Factors. The odds ratio for having any diabetes complication was calculated for all variables which were significant (p<0.05) in the descriptive analyses in two logistic regression models: simple models, with a regression performed with each variable separated and an adjusted model with all variables included.Results The prevalence of diabetic was 6.8% in Brazil and 9.4% in Mexico. There were significant differences between age and time with diabetes between both countries. The odds of a Mexican comparing to a Brazilian diabetic patient of having a complication was 2.01 in the simple logistic regression model and 3.04 in the adjusted model (p<0.0001). Loss vision was the most frequent complication. Protector factors were physical exercise and drinking alcohol less than monthly.Conclusions Diabetes complications are important health problems in Brazil and Mexico. National health surveys add significant information about the impact of diabetes in these Latin American populations. This comparison of data could provide available information to guide national policies and program decisions in both countries.