Unspoken Consequences of Structural Racism in the USA: Diabetes and COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are disproportionately impacted by the diabetes epidemic. This health inequity, aggravated by environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors, has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased risk of severe complications due to COVID-19 in BIPOC communities speaks to the importance of understanding the impacts of social and structural factors on health. This report aims to outline the connection between diabetes and vulnerability to COVID-19 through the lens of racism. STUDY DESIGN: Review of original report and subsequent modeling and interpretations. METHODS: We reviewed and analyzed original data in relation to health inequity, diabetes, COVID-19, and BIPOC. RESULTS: This holistic approach framed the disproportionate prevalence of diabetes and vulnerability to COVID-19 not just as a health disparity, but as a health inequity. CONCLUSION: Defining the relationship between diabetes, vulnerability to COVID-19, and systems of advantage, such as racism, can further support the design of health interventions and policies that reduce the disproportionate impact of these diseases on the health of BIPOC communities.