The factors contributing to the diabetes epidemic include: 1. Unhealthy foods: The availability and affordability of processed foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates lead to poor dietary choices. 2. Marketing and advertising: Aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods, especially targeting children, influences consumption patterns and increases the demand for unhealthy options. 3. Socioeconomic disparities: Limited access to healthy food options, such as fresh produce, is prevalent in low-income communities, which exacerbates unhealthy eating habits. 4. Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity due to sedentary jobs, increased screen time, and urban environments with limited recreational spaces contribute to the development of diabetes. Policy changes to make healthy food more affordable could include:

• Subsidies: Government interventions to reduce the cost of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Taxes: Imposing taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages, such as sugary drinks and fast food, to discourage consumption and fund initiatives for affordable healthy foods.
• Investment in education: Promoting nutrition education and awareness campaigns to encourage healthier food choices.
• Retail environment: Encouraging supermarkets and grocery stores to offer discounts and promotions on nutritious foods through partnerships or incentive programs.
• Urban planning: Designing communities that prioritize access to healthy foods by implementing zoning policies that mandate the presence of grocery stores and farmers markets in underserved areas.

Implementing these policy changes can help make healthy food more affordable and accessible, thus contributing to the prevention and management of diabetes.