Health Equity

Putting people first is what the American Diabetes Association does.

No one should have to miss out on the lifesaving care or medication they need.

Every person deserves the chance for a full, healthy life.  According to the 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report, an estimated 133 million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States, creating a significant opportunity for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to be a driving force in tackling one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The ADA has long been committed to building a more equitable health care system, where every person in America gets the best possible preventative and diabetes care. Policymakers, community organizations, and corporations all play an important role in addressing the social determinants of health that drive the disproportionate impact of prediabetes and diabetes on under-resourced communities.

We believe health equity is a human right.

Social Determinants of Health

Where people live, play, learn, work, and age, along with socioeconomic status and a person's ability or inability to access information and resources, all tremendously impact health and wellness. High-quality diabetes care and education should be available to everyone in all communities. 

Someone’s ZIP Code and background should not determine their health outcomes. 

By the numbers: 

• Those who earn less than $30,000 per year are three times as likely to have diabetes than those who make over $80,000 per year.
• Approximately 20% of Americans with diabetes do not have adequate access to healthy foods, a rate twice as high as that of the general population.
• Walkable neighborhoods are associated with both lower diabetes incidence and prevalence.
• African American and Hispanic/Latino people are more than 50% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic/Latino white people.
• People of color, older adults, and low-income communities living with diabetes face higher rates of diabetes complications such as kidney disease, vision loss, and amputations.

The ADA’s Health Equity Bill of Rights guides our work to address the social determinants of health that lead to a higher prevalence of diabetes and worse health outcomes. The pillars of our actions are built on this foundation.