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Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains a significant public health challenge globally and, in the U.S., notably impacts mortality. Georgia specifically faces a substantial burden, with disparities observed across populations and counties. Understanding the patterns and underlying drivers of diabetes-related deaths statewide is crucial for effective public health intervention.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed age-adjusted diabetes mortality rates in Georgia from 2019-2021, using data from the Georgia Department of Public Health's OASIS and the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) 2020. The study aimed to detail the distribution of mortality rates across counties, explore the role of social determinants of health, and analyze differences between rural and non-rural areas, quantifying these disparities using ratios.

Results: The analysis revealed stark disparities in age-adjusted diabetes mortality rates across Georgia's counties. Rural areas consistently showed higher mortality burdens compared to non-rural areas, and significant racial inequities were evident. Counties with higher social vulnerability, particularly concerning socioeconomic status and racial minority status, had elevated diabetes mortality rates.

Conclusions: The findings highlight that diabetes mortality in Georgia is a pressing public health concern, deeply linked to social and geographical factors. There is an urgent need for targeted, multifaceted public health interventions that address these root causes, strengthen healthcare systems, and promote health equity across the state.

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Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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