Walking the Line: How Social Forces Shape Diabetic Foot Outcomes in the Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• High diabetes prevalence in the Rio Grande Valley affects nearly one-third of adults.
• Foot ulcer and amputation rates in the region significantly exceed state and national averages.
• Social drivers of health (poverty, education, access to care) and colonia living conditions exacerbate diabetes complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify actionable pathways for reducing diabetes-related disparities.
• To prevent amputations and improve health equity in the Rio Grande Valley.
• To address gaps in social driver of health measurement for targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing ZIP code-level data from electronic health records.
• Analyzing the impact of social drivers of health on diabetes outcomes.
• Investigating the role of living conditions in colonias.

Main Results:

• Social drivers of health significantly shape diabetes outcomes, delaying treatment and increasing complications.
• Gaps in measuring social drivers of health hinder effective interventions.
• ZIP code-level data offers a pathway to address disparities.

Conclusions:

• Leveraging electronic health record data can identify at-risk populations.
• Targeted interventions informed by social drivers of health are crucial.
• Improving care equity requires addressing socioeconomic factors and geographic barriers.