Overview
Nearly half of all Arkansans have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, worsened by limited access to health care and nutritious foods throughout the state. Many Arkansans face barriers to accessing regular medical check-ups, diabetes management education, and affordable medications. The prevalence of food deserts in the state creates challenges for patients looking for healthy, diabetes-friendly foods.
Our initiatives focused on addressing diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases are crucial as we work toward our goal of making Arkansas the healthiest state in the nation.
What We’re Doing
Nutrition
Our team is studying the effects of distributing food boxes to food-insecure families across Arkansas on health outcomes for those living with type 2 diabetes. The boxes contain healthy foods and educational materials designed to help adults manage their type 2 diabetes. Additionally, we have developed a training program for medical students to recognize issues and diseases associated with food insecurity.
Education
Through our standard and family-based model of diabetes self-management education and support programs, our team has worked with communities across the world to develop a comprehensive diabetes education program. Trained community health workers lead educational sessions in churches and homes. This model has been expanded to Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Access Our Education Materials
We have developed diabetes self-management education materials for your organization to use. Please fill out this form to access our materials.