• Researchers utilized state-level data on household energy characteristics and diabetes diagnosis to investigate the relationship between household energy insecurity and diabetes prevalence in 2020.

• Energy insecurity, which includes challenges such as forgoing food or medication to pay energy bills and living in unhealthy temperatures due to cost, was found to be more prevalent in southern states.

• The findings showed that households experiencing energy insecurity were more likely to have members diagnosed with diabetes. 

• Southern states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas, exhibited some of the highest rates of both energy insecurity and diabetes.

• The researchers emphasized the potential benefits of interventions focused on energy assistance, suggesting that such measures could help reduce the burden of diabetes management and complications during extreme weather conditions.

• These insights could shape future policies targeting both energy security and public health.

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