1

UNKNOWN INSURANCE COVERAGE

Rural diabetes patients face delays in advanced therapies due to unclear coverage and burdensome prior authorizations.

2

CLINICAL INERTIA IN DIAGNOSTICS

Limited decision support and evolving guidelines often lead primary care providers to miss or delay diabetes diagnoses.

3

LIMITED IN-CLINIC DIET COUNSELING

Many patients receive generic nutrition advice that overlooks culture, literacy, and individual risk.

4

BARRIERS TO LONGITUDINAL DIET MODIFICATION

Patients face barriers to lasting dietary change: rushed, one-time counseling, no follow-up, and few practical supports at home.

5

FRAGMENTED CARE

Patients face poor coordination across clinical, community, and social services.

6

MEDICATION DISCONTINUATION FROM SIDE-EFFECTS

Poor side-effect management and limited follow-up often drive patients to stop diabetes medications.

7

LIMITED EXERCISE OPTIONS

Rural communities lack safe, affordable spaces for exercise.

8

DIABETES STIGMA AND AWARENESS

Diabetes stigma and low community awareness fuel stress, isolation, and poor disease management.

9

SPECIALIST SHORTAGES

Limited access to diabetes specialists in rural areas delays diagnosis, advanced treatment, and comprehensive care.

10

MISSED OR UNPROCESSED LAB TESTS

Logistical issues leave many lab tests unperformed, delaying diabetes diagnosis and monitoring.