Type 2 diabetes and food security: a mounting crisis with implications for community nurses

The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing at an alarming rate across Europe and North America, presenting a mounting crisis and significant health challenges. Alongside the health challenges associated with T2D, the prevalence of household food insecurity (FI) is also increasing, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

Diabetes UK (2024) estimates that 5.6 million people are living with diabetes in the UK; an all-time high. It is estimated that 90% of them have T2D, with an additional 1.2 million people thought to be at risk or undiagnosed (Diabetes UK, 2024). Obesity is commonly linked to T2D, alongside other risk factors, such as age, ethnicity and family history. The social determinants of health—employment, income, poverty, education, access to healthy food and health care—are linked conclusively to an increased risk of developing several health conditions including T2D.

Food security requires physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet an individual's needs (Douglas et al, 2020a). For food insecure households, preventing or managing T2D presents added complexity, given the inextricable link between food availability, diet, the nutritional value of food and the need for diabetic control.