The 2025 Story Behind the Curve

Despite operating without an on-site A1c testing machine, PCHD achieved a significant downward trend to 2.3 in 2025. This success is rooted in our strategic partnership with the Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP), which provided the essential A1c testing for our screenings.

By combining this partnership with our "Living Well with Diabetes" event in November, we provided free, accessible testing for patients who otherwise would have gone unmonitored due to financial barriers or a lack of insurance. Moving forward, we intend to continue this collaboration with the MDPP to ensure our "patient-first" model—meeting people where they are and removing the cost of care—continues to drive our community toward our 0.5 target.

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“Diabetes education pays off.  That’s because research shows people who have received diabetes education are more likely to: use primary care and preventive services; take medications as prescribed; control their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels; (and) have lower health costs”, according to the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).  In a review of the literature by Chrvala et al, a significant A1C reduction of 0.57 was seen with type 2 diabetes participants in Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME).

During 2020, patients visited their primary care providers less because of Covid.  During this time, people may have also experienced lack of motivation and increased sickness themselves, which could have had a bearing on increased HgbA1c.

While telehealth was a good option, it also had limitations in that there are more distractions, possibly decreasing the quality of the visit.  Virtual visits also made it more difficult to gain rapport with the participants. 

MDPP--Minority Diabetes Prevention Program

DSMES team

Nutrition team

Wellness Team

Providers

Individuals

Living Well with Diabetes annual event

Guest speakers in Support Group

Follow up with Primary Care

In person visits/classes

Behavioral goals created in class by the participant (increases accountability that can help enhance progress)

Further explanation and visual aids provided by educators about about HgbA1c 

Continue our partnership with MDPP and Employee Wellness

Have a Living Well with Diabetes Planning Committee