Understanding the Impact and Inequity of Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. During the month, the YMCA of Metro Denver joins thousands of organizations across the country in bringing attention to diabetes. As part of this recognition, we are highlighting the importance of expanding access to resources and information that promote health equity – specifically for individuals at risk for diabetes.

I started my career at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in 1997. I took the job because I was passionate about community health and well-being and eager to be a part of an organization that was making a difference. In the 21 years that followed, I understood the true impact of diabetes and the importance of increasing awareness and ensuring access to credible information to navigate this serious disease.

Whether you have prediabetes, gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes, it’s critical to have a deeper understanding of the differences and similarities. Here at the Y, we are committed to expanding access to resources that make communities stronger, healthier and more equitable. This includes providing all Denverites with the resources and programs that prevent and treat diabetes.

122 million Americans are living with diabetes and prediabetes – that’s more than one in every three Americans. Diabetes disproportionately impacts people of color and others who are underserved. Higher rates of diagnoses are seen among Pacific Islander, Black, Native American and Latino populations. A major cause for this disproportionate impact is health inequity.

The ADA’s #HealthEquityNow campaign outlines this systemic inequity in detail. It includes a Bill of Rights that envisions a brighter, healthier future for all Americans – regardless of skin color or zip code. Our team at the YMCA identified a few parts of this campaign that we’d like to bring attention to in recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month. These notable components are equitable access to health care, fresh food and safe places to live and exercise.

A 2003 Institute of Medicine report on racial and ethnic disparities in health care found that medical care varied greatly by race, even when income, age, insurance and health conditions were comparable. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this inequity became increasingly prevalent. When people are unable to get treatment in a timely and affordable manner, individuals with diabetes and prediabetes are at a greater risk for severe illness – including COVID-19. According to a 2021 study, people with diabetes were at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.?

Nutrition is also a crucial component of diabetes management. However, under-resourced communities often lack the fresh food that individuals need to maintain a balanced, nutritional diet. Here in the Denver Metro area, there are many communities that lack access to consistent sources of healthy, fresh food – putting them at a greater risk for diabetes and prediabetes.

Untapped communities that lack the spaces and resources to live and exercise safely are also at a higher risk for diabetes. Living in a safe, comfortable place where you can maintain a well-balanced lifestyle contributes to your overall health and well-being.

Expanding access to health care, healthy food and safe places to live a well-balanced life will get us closer to achieving health equity. Though we have a long way to go to reach this milestone, the YMCA of Metro Denver’s Diabetes Prevention Program is contributing to creating a stronger and healthier community every day here in Colorado.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention program helps people prevent diabetes by promoting habits that lead to healthier lives. The year-long program helps individuals lose weight, learn about nutrition, find ways to become more active, manage stress and stay motivated. This program has been transformational for individuals here in Denver and across the county – with 91% of participants saying that the program helped them to improve their overall health.

Through our Diabetes Prevention Program and more, the YMCA is committed to being part of the network that brings our community closer to achieving health equity. This November, join us in creating a stronger, healthier and more equitable Metro Denver. Take a 60-second test and know your risk.

Learn more about the YMCA of Metro Denver’s Diabetes Prevent Program.