American Diabetes Month 

November is American Diabetes Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about a disease that affects millions in this country. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 40.1 million people in the U. S. – or 1 in 8 – are living with diabetes, and another 115.2 million adults have prediabetes.  

While age, family history, obesity, and physical inactivity are well known risk factors of a diabetes diagnosis, social determinants of health (SDOH) are increasingly recognized as contributors to diabetes risk, development, and outcomes. 

Key SDOH factors contributing to diabetes include:  

• Income and financial stability: Lower income can limit access to healthy foods, exercise, medications, and preventive healthcare. 

• Access to healthy food: Living in areas with limited availability of affordable, healthy food increases reliance on processed, no-nutrition food, raising the risk of obesity and diabetes. 

• Healthcare access: Lack of insurance, transportation barriers, and/or limited access to primary care can delay diagnosis and treatment. 

• Chronic stress and discrimination: Long-term exposure to stress, including experiences of racism and other forms of discrimination, have been associated with diabetes, according to a 2024 study in Diabetes Care, published by The American Diabetes Association. 

At Whittier Street Health Center, we recognize the profound impact of social determinants of health associated with diabetes and address these disparities through our comprehensive, patient-care model. 

Our key diabetes-related services include: 

• Diabetes clinical care and management through Adult Medicine and Diabetes Clinics 

• Healthy Weight Management Program 

• Nutritional counseling and healthy eating support 

• Behavioral health support 

• Pharmacy services 

• Education and self-management support 

• Community outreach and social services programs 

In addition, our Remote Patient Monitoring Program is designed to help patients with chronic conditions, in particular diabetes and hypertension, manage their health from home using connected monitoring devices and telehealth support. 

Diabetes is more than a medical condition. It is also a health equity issue shaped by access to care, nutrition, and other determinants of health. By addressing both the medical and social factors that influence health, Whittier Street Health Center works to reduce disparities and helps patients achieve healthier outcomes and improved quality of life.