UAMS Received Grant for Telehealth Diabetes Services
The $1.5 million federal grant will expand medical nutrition therapy for patients in rural Arkansas.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Diabetes
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The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has secured a $1.5 million grant to launch a telehealth program for patients with Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. This five-year initiative will utilize digital health technology to increase healthcare access in rural communities.
Why it matters
The program aims to overcome significant healthcare access barriers for rural Arkansas residents, where nearly 369,000 adults are currently living with a diabetes diagnosis.
The initiative supports at least 300 patients across Arkansas, addressing a population where 40% of adults in Independence and Union counties are currently at risk for or diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes patients in the state face medical expenses roughly 2.6 times higher than non-diabetic individuals.
The players
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
This public academic health science center serves as the state's only medical school and oversees various health clinics.
Health Resources and Services Administration
This federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services works to improve healthcare access for people who are geographically isolated or economically vulnerable.
The details
Registered dietitians will deliver medical nutrition therapy remotely, while participants receive continuous glucose monitors to track their levels and the impact of their nutrition. The services will be deployed through UAMS Health Family Medicine Clinics in Batesville and El Dorado.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: UAMS announced the receipt of the federal grant.
Health Landscape
This program aligns with broader efforts to integrate digital health solutions into the UAMS Health Family Medicine Clinics network to bridge urban-rural care gaps. It reflects a growing medical shift toward managing chronic conditions like diabetes through continuous remote monitoring rather than solely relying on episodic in-person care.
Eligible residents in the Batesville and El Dorado areas will gain access to specialized nutrition therapy and glucose monitoring from their own homes. This remote access reduces the need for frequent travel to specialized clinics for routine diabetes management.
The takeaway
Using digital tools to track nutrition and glucose levels allows patients to manage chronic conditions more effectively between doctor visits. Residents in targeted areas should consult their local health clinic to determine if they meet the criteria for enrollment in this new telehealth program.
Further reading
For more information on chronic disease management and local support services, visit the Arkansas Diabetes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kait8.
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