533-P: Geospatial Analysis of a Diabetes Management Program—Program Participation and Social Determinants of Health

Introduction & Objective: The American Diabetes Association has recognized Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) as a practice-tested diabetes support program. HED is a community-based program that offers a standardized education and individualized support to those with diabetes. HED improves the health status of individuals living with diabetes, specifically targeting vulnerable populations.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to utilize Geospatial Analysis to evaluate the social determinants of health (SDoH) of HED program participants.

Methods: Using demographic data collected from individuals enrolled in HED, the research team analyzed the geographic distribution of participants and SDoH variables. Using geospatial analysis, other variables were calculated, such as distance to grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals. Key SDoH variables include income, educational attainment, distance to grocery stores, pharmacies and hospitals. These were used to create a Diabetes Burden Index, which in turn characterized the cumulative burden program participants face in managing their diabetes.

Results: The analysis comprised 980 individuals, with an average Diabetes Index Burden score of 0.51. This indicated the typical individual enrolled in HED has a moderate to high SDOH burden when managing their diabetes. Additional geospatial analysis will be presented on drive time to pharmacy and food sources.

Conclusion: Geospatial analysis provides a clear visual representation of geographic distribution of individuals enrolled in HED as well insights into specific SDoH characteristics of those who enrolled in the program. The utilization of GIS in diabetes management programs enhances the ability of both researchers and program facilitators to understand populations served and more accurately target services, particularly for at risk and underserve groups.