Narrative Review of Health Disparities in Diabetes Care

Otieno Karanja J.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus remains a major global public health challenge, with persistent and pervasive disparities in care contributing substantially to unequal health outcomes. Health disparities in diabetes care are evident across racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomic strata, and geographic regions, influencing disease incidence, timeliness of diagnosis, access to care, quality of treatment, and long-term outcomes. Despite advances in clinical management and expanded insurance coverage in many settings, inequities in diabetes prevention, treatment, and complication management continue to compromise glycemic control and increase morbidity and mortality among marginalized populations. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on health disparities in diabetes care, drawing on epidemiologic data, conceptual frameworks grounded in the social determinants of health, and studies examining access to care, service utilization, and quality of care, patient experience, and adherence. The review highlights how structural, social, and systemic factors, including income, education, insurance status, discrimination, geographic location, and health system organization interact to shape diabetes outcomes across diverse populations. Particular attention is given to racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals of lower socioeconomic status, who experience disproportionate barriers throughout the diabetes care continuum. The findings underscore the need for multilevel interventions that extend beyond clinical settings to address upstream determinants of health. Community-based programs, system-level reforms, and pro-equity public policies show promise but remain insufficiently evaluated for their equity-specific impact. Strengthening data collection, adopting equity-sensitive metrics, and integrating social determinants into diabetes care delivery are essential for advancing equitable outcomes and reducing the burden of diabetes across populations.

Keywords: Diabetes care disparities, Social determinants of health, Health equity, Racial and ethnic disparitiesand Access and quality of care

CITE AS: Otieno Karanja J.. (2026). Narrative Review of Health Disparities in Diabetes Care. IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 11(1):11-17.

https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJSR/2026/11.1.1117