We recently completed our fifth survey tracking the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diabetes community. This wave was conducted between June 26th and July 1st 2020.
The increase in COVID-19 cases nationally has led to a resurgence in fears related to the pandemic. Communities that are already disproportionately affected by diabetes are seeing even greater challenges due to COVID-19. Black and Latino respondents report higher levels of concern than white respondents about the pandemic’s impact on their health and finances, and it is not without reason.
Within the dQ&A panel, four percent of our Latino community members and three percent of Black community members have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or live with someone who has been diagnosed, compared to one percent of white community members.
Insulin rationing is also more prevalent among minority groups. Latino and Black respondents were significantly more likely than white respondents to have rationed their insulin in the past 3 months. Thirteen percent of our Black and Latino community members have rationed insulin, compared to five percent of our white community members. Of those who rationed their insulin, nearly two fifths were doing so ‘most of the time’ or ‘all of the time’ (38%).
The majority of insulin users have an insulin supply of less than two months (57%). Black insulin users are significantly more likely to have a supply of less than 30 days compared to white insulin users.
Now, more than ever, we see a growing need for better access for the entire diabetes community, especially for Black and Latino people with diabetes.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the community members who participated in this research study. Respondents were not paid an incentive for completing this survey.
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