Beyond Access: Structural Vulnerability and Type 2 Diabetes Disparities in Hispanic/Latino Populations

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is an issue for Hispanic/Latino people in the U.S., with an increased prevalence of disease and early age of onset, as well as a greater incidence of complications related to the disease than seen in non-Hispanic White people. The focus of previous efforts to address this disparity has been primarily on individual behavior and access to healthcare rather than addressing the broader structural conditions that can influence health. A theory synthesis and narrative review examined how structural vulnerability and the social determinants of health contributed to persistent T2D inequities among Hispanic/Latino communities. Relevant literature published in English was identified by reviewing PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases regarding access to healthcare, language barriers, food insecurity, socioeconomic status, chronic stress, and systemic inequity as they relate to diabetes. The findings indicate that several structural issues, including inadequate insurance coverage, culturally and linguistically discordant care, economic instability, immigration-related barriers, and neighborhood disadvantage, contribute to persistent inequities in diabetes risk, management, and outcomes. Although culturally tailored and community-based interventions may lead to improved outcomes, they will be limited in achieving long-term success if the structural inequities are not also addressed. Combining the Structural Vulnerability Framework with the Social Determinants of Health framework will provide a multi-level understanding of how systemic inequities create and sustain diabetes disparities.