Correlations Between A1C and Diabetes Knowledge, Diabetes Numeracy, and Food Security in a Vulnerable Type 2 Diabetes...

Type 2 diabetes is over-represented in vulnerable populations. Vulnerable patients managing diabetes are challenged with less-than-optimal processes and outcomes of care; thus, Healthy People 2020 and the American Diabetes Association have renewed the focus on social determinants of health with regard to the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. This study explored the correlations between A1C and social and personal factors, including diabetes knowledge, diabetes numeracy, and food security. The Diabetes Numeracy Test-15, the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy Diabetes Scale, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Security Questionnaire were administered to a Caucasian study population (n = 96) receiving diabetes care at a federally qualified health center. Although the correlation coefficients generated by the results obtained from the three questionnaires and A1C levels were generally small, a correlation coefficient of 0.46 was found between food security and A1C. An improved understanding of factors that contribute to the successful self-management of diabetes is necessary to improve diabetes outcomes in vulnerable populations.