Diabetes
shouldn't depend on zip code.
Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health are non-healthcare-related factors that affect the outcome of healthcare processes. Major determinants include income, education, community constructs, and racial identity.
Statistics
For the USA
55%
Percentage of diabetes-related inequalities in 2018 rooted in inability to afford preventative care, prescreening resources, or healthy lifestyles.
177%
Chance for individuals with less than a high school diploma (more common in underprivileged areas) to develop diabetes compared to those with post-high school education.
4x
Chance for a Black/African individual to be hospitalized with uncontrolled diabetes compared to a White individual.
128%
Chance for an individual living in a rural area to develop diabetes compared to individuals living in urban areas.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease, often chronic, where the body has issues with the hormone insulin. Produced by the pancreas, insulin promotes the intake of sugar from the bloodstream into cells. Diabetes is when the body doesn't respond to and/or produce enough insulin.​
A common symptom of diabetes is hyperglycemia — elevated blood sugar levels.
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is when a person's immune system attacks their own insulin-producing cells. About 50% of the risk of type 1 diabetes cases can be attributed to genetic factors - in other words, it can be passed down through generations.
Cost of a Diabetes-Focused Lifestyle
Without Insurance
USDA-approved Healthy Diet | $3000 - $3600 |
Annual doctor visit | $100 - $300 |
A1C Test (Measures average blood sugar over past 2-3 months) | $20 - $60 |
Metformin (Oral medication) | $60 - $180 |
Twice Daily Blood Glucose Strip Test | $200 - $500 |
Without insurance, the cost of a typical diabetes-focused lifestyle ranges from $3,380 to $4,640
The cost of a diabetes-focused lifestyle puts extreme financial burden on those negatively affected by their social determinants of health. For context, US federal poverty guideline for an individual is an income of $15,650/year. For individuals living in poverty, a diabetes-focused lifestyle would require anywhere from 21% to 30% of income — simply unsustainable.
To combat this, Diabexa's mission is to provide information about diabetes and assist individuals with diabetes in managing their condition regardless of socioeconomic status.
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