DIABETES IN THE HOMELESS POPULATION

Abstract

Homeless individuals are subject to many challenging circumstances, especially accessing healthcare and maintaining proper health. Diabetes is a unique chronic condition that is particularly complicated by the status of homelessness. Information for this research was obtained through searches using keywords such as diabetes and homelessness in addition to clinical information on diabetes from ClinicalKey and the Mayo Clinic. Data from the 2019 Uniform Data System reporting for El Rio Community Health Center in Tucson, Arizona was used to situate the research in the context of Tucson, Arizona. Diabetes prevalence overall in the U.S. is increasing and also shows minority demographic disparities. The homeless population is particularly vulnerable to diabetes due to factors such as an increase in age and lack of proper diet and exercise. Homelessness complicates the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and there is a need to increase the understanding and support of homeless individuals with diabetes. One model of intervention is described as a project completed by the University of Arizona College of Medicine's Commitment to Underserved People Clinic, in which diabetes education on prevention and management specific to homeless individuals was discussed at Sister Jose Women's Center in Tucson, Arizona.