Disparities in Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Youth from socioeconomically and racially/ethnically marginalized backgrounds have inequities in youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D). Low socioeconomic status is associated with adverse structural (eg, housing policies) and intermediary (eg, neighborhood conditions) social determinant of health (SDOH). Structural racism is an SDOH that impacts T2D among racial/ethnic minority youth. Research has demonstrated associations of diabetes outcomes with neighborhood conditions, household food insecurity, family and youth stress, and social support. Practice guidelines recommend diabetes care providers screen for SDOH among families of youth with T2D. Comprehensive approaches to mitigating the impact of structural SDOH on inequities in youth-onset T2D are also needed.

Keywords: Health equity; Social determinants of health; Youth-onset type 2 diabetes.