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Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health account for 50 to 60 percent of health outcomes

There is one number that can tell you a lot about your patients with diabetes. And it’s a number that doesn’t appear on medical tests.

  • It’s your patients’ zip code.
  • Where your patients live
  • Where they work
  • Where they worship
  • And other social and environmental factors can significantly increase their health risks.

Research has shown that social determinants of health account for 50 to 60 percent of health outcomes.

Social Determinants of Health include:

  • Economic Stability
  • Education Access and Quality
  • Health Care Access and Quality
  • Neighborhood and Built Environment
  • Social and Community Context

Patients who experience social determinants of health are more likely to have diabetes and develop cardiovascular disease. You can make a difference by including social determinants of health screenings and interventions in your practice. Once you complete your screening, connect patients who need additional support to social workers, community health workers, wraparound services, and diabetes education programs. Make sure you have a list of community resources handy so you can refer patients effectively.

Reference:

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health

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Beyond Awareness: How Do We Reverse Compounded Disparities in Diabetes and Heart Disease?

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