CDC expands U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System with new SDOH module

CDC recently broadened the U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System by adding a new social determinants of health (SDOH) module to better identify the nation’s under-resourced areas and evaluate the potential effect of health disparities related to diabetes burden and risk factors. The revised U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System now merges diabetes data with 15 social vulnerability variables. Public health professionals and researchers can use the new SDOH module to more thoroughly examine factors potentially affecting people’s ability to successfully manage diabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes. The module provides data at the national level to compare counties across states and at the state level to compare counties within a state. The module currently includes data for 2018, but data for 2010, 2014, and 2016 will be included in the coming months. Leandris Liburd, PhD, director of CDC’s Office of Minority Health and Equity, observes: “Adding social variables to our surveillance systems provides valuable context that can help public health officials better plan and understand community needs. This can accelerate and strengthen how we respond to both chronic and infectious diseases, help communities better prepare for emergency events, and reduce health disparities.” Some 34.2 million Americans — just over 1 in 10 — have diabetes nationwide.