Public Health in the Rockies 2026

Diabetes prevention and management are key public health priorities in Colorado. The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services are national, evidence-based programs for individuals living with diabetes or prediabetes. Approximately 44 DSMES programs and 23 National DPP programs exist throughout Colorado. However, programming is limited, particularly in rural areas of the state with dispersed populations, with the majority of National DPP and DSMES programs concentrated in urban areas in the middle of the state. In fact, 81% of rural and rural resort counties do not have a local National DPP, and 75% of rural and rural resort counties do not have local DSMES services. This reality makes telehealth and virtual program delivery options necessary for individuals living with diabetes or at risk for diabetes who have barriers to in-person programming. Research shows that program outcomes between in-person and virtual programming are similar. However, program providers and participants alike face barriers to telehealth programming. This presentation will clearly outline the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from diabetes prevention and management programs, gleaned from working directly with telehealth providers since 2021, as well as surveys conducted in early 2026. Creative solutions taking place in Colorado will be shared, and attendees will walk away with tangible examples of how to effectively deliver telehealth programming by increasing engagement, addressing digital literacy, investing in staff training, and adjusting workflows to best meet the needs of participants and program providers.