A Growing Health Crisis

Diabetes is one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States, but it doesn’t impact all communities the same way. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 37 million Americans have diabetes — and Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American communities are hit the hardest.

Black adults are nearly twice as likely as white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes, while Hispanic and Latino adults face rates 70% higher than their white counterparts. Native Americans have the highest prevalence of diabetes of any U.S. racial or ethnic group, according to the Indian Health Service.

The Roots of Disparity

Experts say the reasons behind these inequities go far beyond genetics. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) points to a web of social, economic, and environmental factors that increase risk in marginalized populations.

• Limited access to healthy foods: Many Black and Brown communities live in “food deserts,” areas without nearby grocery stores offering affordable, nutritious options.

• Barriers to healthcare: Uninsured rates are higher among people of color, meaning fewer preventive screenings and less consistent diabetes management.

• Economic stress and systemic racism: Chronic stress can increase insulin resistance, and discrimination in healthcare can lead to misdiagnoses or delayed treatment.

• Environmental factors: Neighborhoods with fewer safe spaces for exercise or higher exposure to pollutants contribute to overall poor health outcomes.

Complications Are Often More Severe

Even after diagnosis, outcomes remain unequal. Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to suffer from kidney failure, vision loss, and amputations caused by unmanaged diabetes. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study found that Black Americans are three times more likely to experience diabetes-related amputations than white Americans (NIH).

Community-Led Solutions

Despite the challenges, progress is possible — and often led by the communities most affected.

• Faith-based and neighborhood health programs are bringing free screenings and nutrition education to underserved areas.

• Culturally competent care — when doctors understand and respect cultural and social contexts — helps patients build trust and follow treatment plans more effectively.

• Policy changes, such as expanding Medicaid and supporting urban farming initiatives, are also helping to close the health gap.

Taking Action This Diabetes Month

This American Diabetes Month, public health advocates are urging people to get tested, know their family history, and learn about prevention resources. The CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program offers free or low-cost tools to help people manage their risk.

Simple lifestyle changes — like incorporating daily movement, eating balanced meals, and managing stress — can make a big difference. But experts emphasize that true change requires systemic investment in communities that have been historically overlooked.