MON-227 Exploring Social Determinants of Health in Hispanic Youth with Type 2 Diabetes Insights from a South Florida Cohort

Abstract Disclosure: C.M. de Almagro: Sanofi. N. Solano: None. G. Cardenas: None. A. Granados: None. A. Carrillo-Iregui: Sanofi. Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority youth, with the highest prevalence among Hispanic and African American populations. Adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) are more prevalent in ethnic minorities and may contribute to disparities affecting disease onset, progression, and outcomes. The national rate of food insecurity is 13.5%, with Florida approaching that national average at 12.0%. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SDOH and their associations with glycemic control among a cohort of minority youth with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess SDOH among pediatric patients with T2DM. Questionnaires were administered during routine clinic visits and answered by 89 patients. The survey captured demographic information and self-reported challenges related to food insecurity, transportation, housing, utilities, and access to community resources. Chi-square statistics were used to analyze the prevalence of SDOH factors and their associations with glycemic control. Results: Among 89 participants, the median age was 14 ± 5 years old, 53% female, 60% Hispanic, 36% black, 81% publicly insured. Most youth (87%) had a family history of T2DM. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HgbA1c) was 8.1% ± 2.8%. A total of 74 participants (83.1%) had a BMI z-score greater than or equal to 1. Food insecurity was reported in 44% of the patients, 28% were concerned about unhealthy nutrition, 20% expressed a need for help finding community resources, 17% required assistance with stable housing, and 10% reported transportation challenges. Conclusions: Previous studies report higher prevalence of adverse SDOH in youth with T2DM. Our research revealed approximately a four-fold increase in the prevalence of food insecurity, independent of glycemic control when compared to the Florida average. A comparison between patients with a HbA1C >8% vs. a HbA1C ≤ 8% revealed no significant difference in the rates of having any of the SDOH. Albeit lacking in clinical significance our results showed statistical significance in those who reported a need for assistance with finding resources and better glycemic control. There was no significant association between BMI z-score with a 1.0 cutoff and HgbA1c with a cutoff of 8.0%. These findings underscore the complexity of managing pediatric T2DM and highlight the need for further research to explore the multifactorial influences on diabetes outcomes. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025