Digital diabetes education improving rural communities in Arkansas
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Ark.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is leveraging digital health to expand diabetes education and support for rural communities across the state, addressing significant access barriers such as long travel distances and limited local resources. According to UAMS researchers, delivering family-centered diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs virtually has led to meaningful improvements in blood sugar control for participants with type 2 diabetes.
A key finding of the initiative is the value of involving family members in diabetes education. The study compared standard DSMES with a family-centered model and found that the latter strengthened supportive behaviors in the household, helping patients adopt healthier eating habits, increase physical activity and better maintain long-term management routines. “These results show that DSMES programs are highly effective in improving diabetes outcomes when delivered through digital health,” said Jennifer Andersen, Ph.D., assistant professor at UAMS.
Digital delivery has also proven vital for overcoming geographic challenges that rural Arkansans face. Many residents cannot travel long distances for in-person diabetes education, making telehealth a practical alternative. Through digital tools, UAMS is giving patients and their families the guidance they need to improve long-term health and reduce diabetes-related risks.