What is the Cumulative Impact of Social Determinants? Examining Racial Disparities in Type 2 Diabetes

• In Event: 390 - Section on Race, Gender and Class Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Race, Gender and Class Roundtables (one-hour). Table 01. Race, Gender, Class and Health Part I

Abstract

Do blacks have a genetic disposition that makes them two to three times more likely than whites to be diagnosed with T2DM? Are blacks physiologically unable to process salt which increases their likelihood to suffer from diabetes-related complications? Or, are there other influences outside of the biological that are contributing to these disparities? This paper explores the social determinants of T2DM and their impact on racial disparities. The social determinants examined are race (as social construct), class, education and neighborhood location. Mechanisms of inequalities such as racism and residential segregation are also discussed using a cumulative dis/advantage perspective (Dannefer 2003). Future research focused on racial disparities must consider the relationship between social determinants and age in order to understand their cumulative impact over the life course.

Authors

• Kaitlyn Barnes, Case Western Reserve University

• Alicia Smith, Case Western Reserve University