Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease

We work to improve patient-centered care and outcomes for individuals from diverse populations adversely impacted by Type 2 Diabetes. Through the standard and family-based model of diabetes self-management education and support programs, research staff worked with Marshallese people living in Arkansas to develop a diabetes education program that includes personal stories and analogies common in Marshallese culture.

Patients with Type 2 diabetes invited family members to participate in the education sessions. Through diabetes self-management education, trained community health workers lead educational sessions in churches and the patients’ homes. Due to the success of the Family Model Diabetes Self-Management Education Program, research staff have expanded the study from northwest Arkansas to Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, working with four churches in the country to screen and enroll residents in the program.

More than 10% of Americans have been diagnosed with some form of diabetes, not including those who have not yet been diagnosed. Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90% of diabetes diagnoses. Type 2 diabetes may initially be managed with diet and exercise, but over time may require medication.

UAMS Community Health & Research is working to reduce Type 2 diabetes among food insecure families across Arkansas by distributing Type 2 diabetes food boxes to participants. In addition to providing food, the boxes contain educational materials designed to help adults manage their Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, staff have developed a training program for medical students that will help them recognize food insecurity-related issues and chronic diseases.

Learn more here.