As the homeless population continues to increase, it is important that we pay attention to how people are being affected by certain illnesses, such as diabetes. During my time volunteering at the Refuge of Hope shelter for homeless men in Canton, Ohio, it was very apparent that the homeless population is getting hit hard by chronic illnesses and the lack of preventions and treatments available to people who are experiencing homelessness adds on to the load of issues that they may already be dealing with. Diabetes can cause adverse health effects like nerve damage, kidney disease and heart disease. Because many people facing homelessness do not have access to the treatments necessary, how can we help those experiencing homelessness in our community who are at risk for diabetes? Through my literature review, I found that elevated blood-glucose levels and obesity can both lead to the development of diabetes. These are two risk factors that are commonly seen in adults who are homeless. In many shelters, foods served are high in sugars and fats with very few options for fruits and vegetables. Most items do not include any nutrition information, making it difficult for people trying to manage their diabetes. This information lead me to looking into primary prevention strategies that could be implemented inside homeless shelters across the United States. As a public health major, ending homelessness is a public health issue that I am passionate about, and although this problem and solution will not necessarily end homelessness, it may lessen the burden that those who are experiencing homeless may face.
Author(s): Lexie James, Public Health Major
Advisor(s): Vaishali Raval, Department of Psychology
Paul Flaspohler, Department of Psychology
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