Food Insecurity Is Associated With Poorer Glycemic Control in Patients Receiving Free Versus Fee-Based Care.

IN BRIEF This study examined differences in household food security (HFS), household adult food security (HAFS), and indicators of diabetes management between clients using free and fee-for-service clinics for diabetes care and management. The study's 166 participants (free clinic, n = 41; fee-for-service clinic, n =125) had a mean age of 53 ± 16 years and were primarily Caucasian ( n = 147 [91.9%]). Both HFS ( P <0.001) and HAFS ( P <0.001) differed between the clinic groups, as did A1C (free clinic 8.7 ± 1.7%; fee-for-service 7.8 ± 1.6%; P = 0.005). A1C increased as HFS ( r = 0.293, P <0.001) and HAFS ( r = 0.288, P = 0.001) worsened.