Diabetes Disparities: Addressing Health Inequities and Improving Outcomes in Underserved Populations

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance, is a global public health crisis with significant disparities in prevalence, management, and outcomes, particularly among underserved populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income groups, and rural residents. These populations faced higher rates of diabetes and complications due to social determinants of health, including economic instability, inadequate education, and limited access to healthcare. Barriers such as lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and cultural and linguistic differences further hindered effective diabetes management. Lifestyle and behavioral factors, including diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and mental health, play critical roles in diabetes outcomes. Policy and system-level interventions, such as expanding healthcare coverage, improving access to care, and addressing social determinants of health, are essential to reducing disparities. Technological innovations like telehealth, mobile health applications, wearable devices, and data analytics offered significant potential to enhance diabetes management in underserved populations. This review was conducted using a comprehensive analysis of current literature and existing studies to provide insights into the multifaceted nature of diabetes disparities and to highlight successful interventions and necessary policy changes to improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Addressing these inequities required a multifaceted approach, including community-based interventions, policy reforms, and technological advancements to ensure equitable diabetes care for all. Keywords: Diabetes disparities, Underserved populations, social determinants of health, Healthcare access, Technological innovations.