Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a social determinant of health contributing to increased diabetes risk?

1. Low level of health literacy

2. Food insecurity

3. Limited time to see provider

4. Homelessness

The correct answer is: Limited time to see provider

The deciding factor that makes limited time to see a provider not a social determinant of health contributing to increased diabetes risk is that it primarily relates to the healthcare system rather than the broader societal context. Social determinants of health encompass various environmental and societal factors that influence individual and community health outcomes, such as economic stability, access to nutritious food, education, and safe housing. Low health literacy impacts an individual's ability to understand health information and make informed decisions, which can directly affect diabetes management and prevention. Food insecurity reflects a lack of stable access to sufficient and nutritious food, leading to poor dietary choices and increased diabetes risk. Homelessness severely impacts living conditions, access to healthcare, and mental well-being, all of which are closely linked to health outcomes like diabetes. In contrast, while limited time to see a provider does influence healthcare access and attendance to appointments, it does not reflect the external conditions in which people live, making it less representative of social determinants of health.