DEI/Health Equity
1
Date of Presentation
5-2-2024 12:00 AM
College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster Abstract
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that hinders the body’s metabolic process using insulin to maintain glycemic homeostasis. It is prevalent worldwide, with about 10% of the global adult population affected. Socio-economic and cultural factors and determinants make diabetes and diabetes management more of a health risk for certain populations rather than others. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is higher than the global average and the risk factors disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.
This study was designed to investigate health disparities in diabetes among a diverse population sample. The study included researching the disparities of diabetes patients in South Jersey and designing a service project to help disadvantaged communities.
Demographic data from the 2023 census shows that the southern New Jersey counties with higher deaths due to diabetes are also counties with higher percentages of minority populations. Salem and Cumberland county had the highest number of deaths due to diabetes (22 and 28.8 per 100,000, respectively). Both counties also had higher populations of African Americans and Hispanics compared to the other counties.
Diabetes can lead to various complications if not properly managed, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. As a result, it is critical for people with diabetes to frequently check their blood sugar levels, maintain a nutritious diet, get regular exercise, take their medications as directed, and see doctors on a regular basis. Patients with diabetes can increase quality of life if detected and managed early.
Keywords
Diabetes, Health disparities, Health Education, Health Inequities, Education, South Jersey, community service, New Jersey, Social Determinants of Health, Health Services, Diabetes Complications, Diabetes Mellitus
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Endocrine System Diseases | Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Health and Medical Administration | Health Services Administration | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Preventive Medicine | Primary Care | Public Health Education and Promotion
Document Type
Poster
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Endocrine System Diseases Commons, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons, Primary Care Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Diabetes Health Education for South Jersey Communities
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that hinders the body’s metabolic process using insulin to maintain glycemic homeostasis. It is prevalent worldwide, with about 10% of the global adult population affected. Socio-economic and cultural factors and determinants make diabetes and diabetes management more of a health risk for certain populations rather than others. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is higher than the global average and the risk factors disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.
This study was designed to investigate health disparities in diabetes among a diverse population sample. The study included researching the disparities of diabetes patients in South Jersey and designing a service project to help disadvantaged communities.
Demographic data from the 2023 census shows that the southern New Jersey counties with higher deaths due to diabetes are also counties with higher percentages of minority populations. Salem and Cumberland county had the highest number of deaths due to diabetes (22 and 28.8 per 100,000, respectively). Both counties also had higher populations of African Americans and Hispanics compared to the other counties.
Diabetes can lead to various complications if not properly managed, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. As a result, it is critical for people with diabetes to frequently check their blood sugar levels, maintain a nutritious diet, get regular exercise, take their medications as directed, and see doctors on a regular basis. Patients with diabetes can increase quality of life if detected and managed early.