A new study reveals that where Americans live can significantly influence their risk of developing diabetes, with social and economic conditions playing a powerful role. Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 census tracts across 38 states and found that healthcare access, poverty, education, housing, and incarceration were among the strongest predictors of diabetes prevalence.
Healthcare access stood out as the most influential factor. Census tracts with higher rates of uninsured residents and fewer routine checkups saw the largest increases in diabetes rates. “The strongest drivers of prevalence of diabetes at the census tract were healthcare access, measured by insurance and having a usual source of care,” the authors wrote.
Poverty and incarceration also showed strong associations with higher diabetes rates. For every standard deviation increase in poverty, diabetes prevalence rose by 0.07 standard deviations. Incarceration was linked to a 0.05 increase. These findings highlight the burden faced by communities with limited resources and high rates of systemic disadvantage.
Conversely, neighborhoods with higher education levels, better housing, and more foreign-born residents had lower diabetes rates. The study found that higher rent — often a proxy for better housing — was associated with lower prevalence, suggesting that improved living conditions may offer protective health benefits.
The authors argue that improving diabetes outcomes will require more than expanding insurance. Policies must also address neighborhood-level risks, including clinic closures and lack of access to pharmacies in underserved areas.
See: “Association between population level social risk factors and prevalence of diabetes” (September 11, 2025)
