Exploring how social networks affect diabetes education and support usage
Official title: Understanding Utilization of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Using Social Network Analysis
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11174463 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at why many people with diabetes aren't taking advantage of diabetes education and support programs, and it explores how teamwork among healthcare providers can help more patients get involved in these valuable resources.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $149,502 |
| NIH project number | 5K25DK136966-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174463 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are seeking education and support for self-management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with diabetes or those who are younger than 65 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the underutilization of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) among patients with diabetes, particularly focusing on how provider collaboration influences patient participation. By analyzing health insurance claims data, the study aims to identify patterns in provider relationships and their impact on DSMES enrollment. The research employs social network analysis to create a model that connects patients and healthcare providers, shedding light on systemic barriers to accessing diabetes education. The goal is to enhance understanding of how to improve DSMES utilization for better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased participation in diabetes education programs, ultimately improving health outcomes for patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding provider networks can enhance patient engagement in healthcare programs, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rezaeiahari, Mandana — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Rezaeiahari, Mandana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
A peer-led self-management program for adults with type 2 diabetes is being tested to see if it improves blood sugar control and daily diabetes care.
-
Adapted DSMES Digital Health for Mexican-origin Hispanics with Type 2 Diabetes
A digital health program adapted from an in-person diabetes education approach is designed to help Mexican-origin adults with type 2 diabetes improve self-management and access to care.
-
Strengths-based program to boost resilience and self-management in youths with Type 1 diabetes
A youth-focused program uses strengths-based strategies to help children and teens with Type 1 diabetes manage their care better and stay on track during early adolescence.
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Optimizing diabetes self-management programs for people with high burden of disease
Aimed at adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, this project tests ways to make diabetes education more engaging and effective in real-world communities.
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SmartStart: a digital diabetes self-management support for people with new type 2 diabetes who have low income
A digital program helps adults with new type 2 diabetes who have low income manage their health better right after diagnosis.
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Helping young people with Type 1 diabetes build resilience and manage their care
This program uses mobile apps, brief family goal meetings, and positive clinic support to help early adolescents with Type 1 diabetes manage blood sugar and feel better about daily care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.