Evaluating the role of youth-onset diabetes mellitus in the context of food insecurity and preventive care: a repeated cross-sectional study using propensity score weighted machine learning analysis - Report - MDSpire
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Evaluating the role of youth-onset diabetes mellitus in the context of food insecurity and preventive care: a repeated cross-sectional study using propensity score weighted machine learning analysis
Clinical Report: Impact of Food Insecurity on Youth-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Overview
This study examines the association between food insecurity (FI) and youth-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) among adolescents, revealing that moderate-to-severe FI is linked to higher odds of DM. The relationship varies based on access to preventive healthcare.
Background
Youth-onset diabetes mellitus is a growing public health issue, particularly among adolescents facing socioeconomic challenges. Food insecurity is a significant social determinant of health that may adversely affect metabolic outcomes, yet its specific association with youth-onset DM and the influence of preventive care remain inadequately understood.
Data Highlights
FI Status
Odds Ratio (OR)
95% Confidence Interval (CI)
p-value
Moderate-to-severe FI
1.55
1.35 to 1.77
<0.0001
Mild FI (with preventive care)
1.19
1.04 to 1.37
0.0126
Moderate-to-severe FI (with preventive care)
1.67
1.46 to 1.92
<0.0001
Moderate-to-severe FI (without preventive care)
0.11
0.03 to 0.35
0.0002
Key Findings
Moderate-to-severe food insecurity is associated with higher odds of youth-onset diabetes mellitus.
Mild food insecurity does not show a significant association with youth-onset diabetes.
Access to preventive care modifies the relationship between food insecurity and diabetes diagnosis.
Adolescents with moderate-to-severe food insecurity lacking preventive care have lower reported diabetes diagnoses.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should assess food insecurity as part of routine diabetes care for adolescents. Ensuring access to preventive healthcare may enhance diabetes detection and management in youth experiencing food insecurity.
Conclusion
The findings indicate a significant relationship between food insecurity and youth-onset diabetes, influenced by access to preventive care.
