HJAR Nov/Dec 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  NOV / DEC 2025 35 Jennifer Dillaha, MD Director Arkansas Department of Health Public Health Interventions Even with the best clinical care, patients inArkansas face barriers that make manag- ing diabetes difficult. Health insurance costs, lack of transportation, scheduling conflicts, limited access to healthy foods, and low health literacy all play a role. Many patients simply don’t know that there are programs available to help them, or they may hesitate to enroll in such programs due to past frus- trations with the healthcare system. That’s where public health resources can step in. The ADH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program is working to inform clini- cians and patients about two key evidence- based programs: the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Diabetes Self-Manage- ment Education and Support (DSMES). For those with prediabetes or at high risk for prediabetes, DPP provides structured support to teach participants how to make lifestyle changes like healthier eating, add- ing physical activity into their daily routine, and improving coping skills. Anyone who scores high on the “Do I Have Prediabetes Risk Test” qualifies for the DPP. According to CDC, participation in DPP can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58% — and by 71% for adults over age 60. 4 The ADH Diabetes and Control Program is focused on expanding access to DPP throughout the state, especially in coun- ties with high diabetes prevalence, by col- laborating with local community members and relevant partners. If there is an area or county in which patients do not have access to DPP, ADH asks those patients and com- munity partners to reach out toADH so that we can work together to establish the pro- gram there. For patients with diabetes, DSMES pro- vides practical skills and education on nutri- tion, medications, glucose monitoring, and coping strategies. The ADA’s “Standards of Care in Diabetes” recognizes DSMES as a critical part of diabetes care — not simply an optional extra. Access to these programs is important for achieving optimal prediabetes and diabetes clinical care. These programs help people find ways to overcome the challenges that come with making the changes they need in their daily lives to reverse their prediabetes or manage their diabetes. Clinicians can help by connecting their patients to these two programs. When patients understand that these programs are an extension of their treatment, not an add-on, they are more likely to participate. Asmall step clinicians can make is pointing patients toward program locators like the ADA’s “Find a Diabetes Education Program” tool (https://diabetes.org/tools-resources/ diabetes-education-programs) or the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists’ program finder (https://www. adces.org/program-finder ). Moving Forward Together Diabetes management is about help- ing people live healthier, fuller lives. Clini- cians and patients now have two powerful approaches to managing diabetes at their disposal — advances in clinical care and structured support programs. Of course, the greatest impact will come when these two approaches work together. TheADHDiabetes Prevention and Control Program is here to helpArkansans with pre- diabetes reverse it through DPP by making changes in their lives that are doable. The Diabetes and Control Program is also here to engage people with diabetes in the effective management of their health through DSMES. Finally, the ADH is here to help clinicians achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients with prediabetes or diabetes. By working together, clinical care and public health can reduce the burden of diabetes in Arkansas and help people take charge of their health. To learn more about diabetes and avail- able resources, visit: https://healthy.arkansas.gov n REFERENCES 1 “Diagnosed Diabetes — Total, Adults Aged 18+ Years, Age-Adjusted Percentage, National,” United States Diabetes Surveillance System, https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/diabetes/ diabetesatlas-surveillance.html#. 2 National Diabetes Statistics Report, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 15, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data- research/index.html. 3 “Standards of Care in Diabetes,” American Diabetes Association, https://professional. diabetes.org/standards-of-care. 4 "About the National Diabetes Prevention Program," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 15, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/ diabetes-prevention/programs/index.html. “ According to 2023 data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 345,000 people in Arkansas aged 18 years and older have been diagnosed with diabetes, which is about 13% of the adult population in our state. ”