This study found that adults with diabetes living in rural areas were less likely to participate in Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs than those living in urban areas. Using data from more than 28,000 adults with diabetes, researchers found that only about half of rural residents reported receiving diabetes self-management education, and the disparity remained even after accounting for demographic and health-related factors. The findings suggest that expanding access to diabetes education in rural communities could help reduce diabetes-related complications and improve health outcomes.
Case Study Link: Rural–Urban Differences in Use of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support in Arkansas, 2015–2019
Case Study Contact: Mandana Rezaeiahari, mrezaeiahari@uams.edu