Diabetes Conference-NFOD 2026

Food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious foods—pose a significant risk factor for the development of Type 2 diabetes. Residents in these areas often rely on calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods, leading to poor dietary habits, obesity, and impaired glucose regulation. Socioeconomic and environmental factors, including income inequality, transportation barriers, and lack of local grocery stores, exacerbate these risks. Addressing food deserts through public health interventions, urban planning, community gardens, and policy initiatives is critical to improving access to healthy foods and reducing diabetes prevalence. Understanding the connection between food environment and metabolic health allows policymakers and healthcare providers to design targeted strategies that promote healthier diets and prevent diabetes in vulnerable populations.