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Social and Structural Determinants of Cardiovascular Complications of Diabetes
Portia Mensah1,2, Kelly Valdez1,2, Ankita Gyawali1
1Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop F547, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
Racial and ethnic minorities with diabetes face higher cardiovascular disease mortality due to social and structural determinants of health. Addressing these inequities is crucial for improving health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Diabetes Management
- Health Equity
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death for individuals with diabetes.
- Racial and ethnic minorities with diabetes often experience poorer management of cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased mortality.
- Social and structural determinants of health significantly impact an individual's capacity for adopting healthy behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes.
- To examine the relationship between these complications and social determinants of health (SDOH).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cardiovascular complications in diabetic populations.
- Analysis of the impact of social and structural determinants on cardiovascular health in diabetes.
Main Results:
- Despite advancements in diabetes care, disparities persist in treatment accessibility for racial and ethnic minorities.
- These inequities in access contribute to ongoing disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes.
- Racial/ethnic disparities in CVD are linked to systemic issues including economic opportunity, education, health literacy, neighborhood conditions, and healthcare access, all influenced by structural racism.
Conclusions:
- Social and structural determinants of health are critical factors influencing cardiovascular outcomes in people with diabetes.
- Addressing systemic inequities is essential to reduce cardiovascular disease mortality among minority populations with diabetes.
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