Disparities in Diabetes Care

Disparities in the distribution of diabetes health have been reported by social class, age, gender, and ethnicity and may arise from an interplay of biological, clinical, and non-clinical factors. As well as being morally wrong, these differences in outcome will have a significant adverse effect on a nation’s health. As a result, there have been international efforts to reduce inequalities, from the strategic organisation of healthcare to providers and patients themselves, with mixed effects. This article outlines the disparities in diabetes care and outcomes in different patient groups, and how the approach of integration of health and social care may help to overcome some of the adverse aspects of societal organisation that underpins disparities.