The Diabetes Location, Environmental Attributes, and Disparities Network: Protocol for Nested Case Control and Cohort...

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Health Disparities Research

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes prevalence and incidence are influenced by neighborhood socioeconomic environment (NSEE) and geographic location in the US.
• Identifying modifiable community factors is crucial for developing effective policies to reduce type 2 diabetes disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Diabetes Location, Environmental Attributes, and Disparities (LEAD) Network, funded by the CDC.
• To utilize harmonized epidemiologic approaches and expansive data to pinpoint community factors contributing to type 2 diabetes risk.

Main Methods:

• Collaboration of three study sites (Geisinger, Johns Hopkins, NYU) and a data coordinating center (Drexel University).
• Inclusion of large, diverse populations: Geisinger (Pennsylvania), Veterans Affairs (nationwide), and the REGARDS study (Stroke Belt region).
• Standardized measurement approaches developed for community factors.

Main Results:

• Established shared aims including evaluating mediation and effect modification of NSEE on type 2 diabetes onset.
• Assessing differential item functioning of community measures across regions and community types.
• Evaluating the impact of spatial scale in measuring community factors.

Conclusions:

• The Network will elucidate community factors driving geographic disparities in type 2 diabetes.
• Findings will be disseminated to inform policies aimed at mitigating these disparities in the United States.