People with diabetes whose housing situation is unstable tend to use the emergency department (ED) and are hospitalized more frequently for diabetes-related issues, according to a cross-sectional survey involving nearly 1,100 individuals. The 2014 Health Center Patient Survey was administered to non-homeless adults treated at federally funded safety-net health centers. Investigators looked at self-reported diabetes-related ED use or inpatient hospitalization in the prior year, housing status, and use of housing assistance. Among the results:

• 37% were not stably housed.
• Overall, 14% reported a diabetes-related ED visit/hospitalization.
• Those who were not stably housed were more than 5 times more likely to visit the ED or be admitted as inpatients.
• <1% of those unstably housed said they received housing help through their clinic.

The authors noted that addressing unstable housing in clinical settings can help improve utilization in vulnerable individuals.