Study examines community factors linked to diabetes in the South

Counties where residents suffer from higher diabetes rates across the Deep South often also face greater poverty, food insecurity and barriers to healthcare and physical activity, a new University of Mississippi study reveals. The research, published in Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, mapped diabetes rates across 418 counties in five Southern states, finding geographic patterns that researchers say can help communities better understand the conditions surrounding chronic disease. “Individual health behaviors tell us only part of the story,” said Ruaa Al Juboori, Ole Miss assistant professor of public health and data analytics statistician. “Looking at diabetes geographically brings people’s surroundings into view: access to nutritious food, places to exercise, healthcare and community safety. “Our study shows where a high diabetes burden and gaps in community resources occur together.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.