The Unexamined Link: Type II Diabetes and Poverty

Abstract

. . . diabetes is considered to be the nation's fastest growing health problem. The impact is largely on those of low socioeconomic status (SES), who have less access to resources and healthcare. . . . Unfortunately, the current papers in this field rarely examine the link between type II diabetes and poverty, and instead focus on biology, behavior, psychology, and culture to explain the causes of the disease and its high prevalence. This paper attempts to help fill that gap in the literature. In Section II, it describes the consequences of type II diabetes on individuals and families, as well as the impact on society as a whole. In Section III, it examines the causes of type II diabetes, particularly with respect to the poor, and in Section IV it identifies the barriers to better outcomes, including food insecurity and access, health illiteracy, and lack of access to healthcare. Finally, in Section V, it proposes potential solutions, including diet and exercise, improved therapy delivery, and health insurance reform.