Trends and disparities in Diabetes Mellitus and Pneumonia-related mortality among older adults in the United States between 1999 and 2019

<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Diabetes Mellitus (DM) makes affected individuals more vulnerable to infections, like pneumonia; due to compromised immunity. This study aims to establish a link between the two. Through this research, we intend to assess the correlation between them in population of the United States, focusing on demographic factors. Methods Mortality-associated data were retrieved from CDC WONDER database. This data was acquired for documenting coexisting fatalities due to DM and pneumonia. Furthermore, Join Point Regression Program was utilized to assess age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMRs) and annual percentage changes (APCs) to evaluate trends over time. Results A total of 303,359 deaths occurred among U.S. adults ≥ 45 years between 1999 and 2019 due to DM and pneumonia. The AAMR declined from 18 in 2019 to 8.5 in 2019 (APC: -3.65; 95% CI: -4.86 to -2.43). Males had a higher AAMR than females. NH American Indians had the highest overall AAMR, followed by Non-Hispanic (NH)Black, Hispanic, NH Asian, and NH White. Nonmetropolitan areas had a higher AAMR than metropolitan areas. AAMR also varied substantially by region. AAMRs were the highest among older adults compared to the middle- aged group. Conclusions DM and pneumonia-related mortality declined over the past twenty years, but there are disparities. Targeted strategies are needed to prevent and treat DM and pneumonia.</p>