Table 2 Eight categories developed by co-researchers when answering the question “What would make it easier for people who are experiencing homelessness to manage their diabetes?”
Category | Areas of Improvement suggested by co-researchers |
|---|---|
Diabetes awareness | Shelter staff receive training or education on diabetes; Normalizing insulin use in public |
Dignity | Shelters creating a space where people feel respected and safe; Educate on equity and empathy |
Access to medication | Let people access medication when needed; Create safe space that lets people take medication on time; Enhanced pharmaceutical insurance |
Access to healthy foods | Work with dietitians to address diet needs in shelter; Increase nutritious food donations; Address diabetes special diet supplement amount from provincial disability insurance program |
Diabetes education | Materials specifically created for people using shelter services; Education on medication, exercise, and diet |
Screening for diabetes | Option to provide onsite A1C testing for people entering shelter system; Educating people to recognize signs of prediabetes |
Access to diabetes-specific health services | Permanent diabetes clinic for those experiencing homelessness; Improve access to screening/testing facilities |
Housing | Tackle the root causes and contributors of homelessness and explore housing solutions |