As Minority Health Month draws to a close, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) highlighted progress towards health equity in its 2023 Health Equity Impact Report.
There are 136 million Americans are living with diabetes or prediabetes and those living in under-resourced communities are more likely to develop diabetes and experience its associated complications. The ADA is striving to build awareness around the disproportionate burden people face when it comes to diabetes care and is working in communities across the country to increase equitable access.
“Guided by the ADA’s Healthy Equity Bill of Rights we are working to build resilient communities by removing barriers, advancing evidence-based solutions, and advocating for change that supports access to health and wellness for all. Everyone should have equal access to the most basic of human rights: their health,” said Terri Wiggins, the ADA’s senior vice president for health equity.
Noteworthy accomplishments include:
- Eye health access, piloted in Birmingham, Alabama, which saw over 800 individuals complete eye health pledges. Educational resources were disseminated to 2,000 health care professionals, spreading knowledge and empowerment.
- Medical technology access was helped by our “U Got This!” program in Franklin County, Ohio that provided 160 participants access to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which led to improvements in A1C, eating habits, physical activity, and better management of their diabetes.
- Food and nutrition access, in partnership with Dion’s Chicago Dream, allowed for weekly deliveries to be provided for 1,000 households. This impacted over 5,000 residents of South Side Chicago and transformed the narrative from food scarcity to security.
“This report for 2023 is a narrative of hope, determination, and unwavering commitment. In our ongoing fight to end diabetes, we will continue to work every day to ensure everyone has access to the best possible diabetes care, and most importantly, work to prevent diabetes,” said Charles “Chuck” Henderson, the ADA’s CEO.
###
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 83 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of life for the 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life®. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).