Beyond the Holiday Table: Four Community-Informed Projects Advancing HIV Research and Wellness in the Deep South

Beyond the Holiday Table: Four Community-Informed Projects Advancing HIV Research and Wellness in the Deep South

December is a time to pause, reflect, and renew our commitment to one another. As HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, it calls attention to the progress made in HIV research while underscoring the work still needed to support individuals and communities across the Deep South. This season reminds us that caring for our communities extends beyond the holiday table. It means working toward health, hope, and connection for everyone.

As families gather and reflect, it’s important to remember that many people in our communities still face serious health challenges. For many families, HIV exists alongside other ongoing health and social challenges, including diabetes, heart disease, and limited access to stable housing or care. These overlapping barriers shape everyday experiences and require solutions that are grounded in community realities, not isolated conditions. By working together, we can begin to close these gaps and build healthier, stronger communities.

The Forge AHEAD Center supports early-stage investigators (ESIs) whose research reimagines HIV care by integrating community partnerships, behavioral health, and system-level interventions to address real-world needs.

Together, these four featured projects show what it looks like to care boldly, listen deeply, and build lasting systems of health, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Four Paths to Better Health and Connection

Peer MODELS: Supporting HIV, Diabetes, and Pain Management Through Peer Mentorship

HIV has become a chronic condition often accompanied by other challenges such as diabetes and chronic pain. Studies estimate that 10%-15% of people living with HIV in the U.S. also have diabetes, and up to 85% report living with chronic pain, depending on the population studied. Yet few interventions consider the lived experience of managing these overlapping conditions and how treatment, symptoms, and daily life overlap.

Dr. Kristen Allen-Watts’ Peer MODELS project—short for “Managing a COmmunity-based HIV, Diabetes, and pain intervention that Encourages healthy Living and provides Support”—aims to fill this gap. Grounded in social cognitive theory, the project explores participants’ confidence in managing all three conditions, the strategies they develop over time, their sources of motivation, and barriers to care. It also examines experiences with peer support and invites participants to envision what an ideal program would look like and identify the resources and services that would make managing complex health needs more achievable.

“Peer support offers encouragement, resources, and tips that help people living with HIV and diabetes stay on track with their health goals. It fosters a sense of belonging and reduces isolation, which is especially meaningful during the holiday season when connection matters most,” Dr. Allen-Watts said.

Conducted in collaboration with the UAB 1917 Clinic and UAB RISC, the project uses in-depth interviews to capture how people manage overlapping conditions and what support they need most. As the holiday season brings both joy and stress, Peer MODELS highlights how care delivered through connection can be a powerful tool for healing.

Kristen Allen-Watts, Ph.D. headshot

Kristen Allen-Watts, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine and Population Science, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Allen-Watts.

“Peer support offers encouragement, resources, and tips that help people living with HIV and diabetes stay on track with their health goals. It fosters a sense of belonging and reduces isolation, which is especially meaningful during the holiday season when connection matters most”

— Kristen Allen-Watts, Ph.D.

Stable Housing as a Foundation for HIV and Cardiometabolic Health

A safe, stable home is essential for health—but for many people living with HIV, housing instability remains a barrier to consistent care. Dr. Donny Gerke’s project investigates how participation in housing programs, particularly the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program at AIDS Alabama, affects both HIV outcomes and cardiometabolic health.

Despite major treatment advances, people living with HIV remain at high risk for conditions like hypertension and diabetes—risks that worsen with unstable housing. Dr. Gerke’s study combines electronic health record (EHR) data with in-depth interviews to evaluate how HOPWA-supported housing influences outcomes such as viral suppression, medication adherence, and engagement in care.

Conducted in collaboration with AIDS Alabama and the UAB 1917 Clinic, the project explores how housing interventions also offer consistent support and help build trust between individuals and service providers.

During a season when home and stability take on deeper meaning, this research reminds us that meeting basic needs must come first—and that sustainable health starts with a place to live.

“Access to stable, affordable, safe housing provides a necessary foundation for healthcare access and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. It is difficult to remember to take your medication or get to your doctor’s appointments if you are constantly worried about where you will sleep…,” Dr. Gerke said.

 

Headshot of Dr. Donald Gerke

Donny Gerke, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, UAB College of Arts and Sciences

Learn more about Gerke.

“Access to stable, affordable, safe housing provides a necessary foundation for healthcare access and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. It is difficult to remember to take your medication or get to your doctor’s appointments if you are constantly worried about where you will sleep”

— Donny Gerke, Ph.D.

Urgent Care as a Gateway for HIV Prevention

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a powerful HIV prevention tool—yet far too many people in the Deep South, especially Black and Hispanic individuals, still face high rates of new HIV diagnoses and low rates of access to PrEP. That’s the gap Dr. Matt Gravett’s work seeks to close through urgent care clinics (UCCs) that could serve as trusted, approachable, and accessible settings for PrEP delivery.

Dr. Gravett’s project centers on a key question: What if urgent care clinics—where many people already go for STI testing or acute needs—also became reliable access points for PrEP? While primary care providers may be stretched thin and HIV specialty clinics may not be geographically or easily accessible for many, UCCs may offer an overlooked opportunity to meet people where they are, without judgment or delay.

“Our efforts to expand PrEP access… Putting PrEP in more convenient spaces can improve access without extra burden on community members. Our partners at UAB Urgent Care and Cooper Green Health Services Urgent Care have been especially rewarding.” Gravett said.

During the holidays—when schedules shift and routines break down—this model offers a promising way to reach people with prevention services when and where they need them most.

Headshot of Gravett

Ronnie "Matt" Gravett, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Gravett.

“Putting PrEP in more convenient spaces can improve access without extra burden on community members. Our partners at UAB Urgent Care and Cooper Green Health Services Urgent Care have been especially rewarding.”

— Matt Gravett, M.D.

Engaging Black Women with HIV in Research for Cardiometabolic Wellness

Black women living with HIV face layered health challenges, including higher risks of cardiometabolic and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, and stroke. Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity—including high-intensity interval training (HIIT)—most Black women with HIV are not meeting recommended exercise levels.

Using the theoretical domains framework (TDF), Xie’s team is conducting focus groups at UAB and UMMC to explore how caregiving demands, transportation access, and experiences of judgment affect participation in wellness research.

“For people living with HIV, social determinants… These factors often impact dietary quality significantly,” Xie said.

This research offers more than an intervention—it offers a roadmap for making cardiometabolic health promotion more accessible and grounded in lived experience. As holiday routines grow more complex, the project reinforces that achieving health means co-designing solutions and conducting research that meets people where they are.

Xie headshot

Rongbing "Bing" Xie, DrPH

Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Xie.

“For people living with HIV, social determinants… These factors often impact dietary quality significantly.”

— Rongbing Xie, DrPH

These four projects reflect a shared vision: that health isn’t just a matter of medicine—it is trust, support, and understanding the everyday challenges people face. Whether through peer mentorship, housing stability, exercise programs, or accessible PrEP pathways, these investigators are expanding the definition of HIV care to include the whole person and the whole community.

Their work models the next generation of HIV research: rooted in lived experience, strengthened by community, and designed for long-term impact. Each project reminds us that healing begins with listening.

This Holiday Season, Join Us in Honoring HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

Support local programs. Connect with organizations offering HIV prevention, testing, housing, or peer support. Visit HIV.gov – Find Services.

Give back. Volunteer, donate to HIV service organizations, or share educational resources. Small actions reduce stigma and spread awareness.

Start the conversation. Talk with loved ones about screenings, testing, and prevention tools such as PrEP.

Stay informed. Learn how the Forge AHEAD Center is partnering across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana to expand access to care.

    Written by: April Agne, MPH

    Staying Healthy Through the Holidays: Alabama Researchers Lead Community-Driven Diabetes Solutions

    Staying Healthy Through the Holidays: Alabama Researchers Lead Community-Driven Diabetes Solutions

    The holiday season is a time of celebration, filled with food, family, travel and traditions. But for many people, it can also mean disrupted routines, more time sitting, and eating habits that vary from usual.

    Even for those who don’t have a chronic condition like diabetes, this time of year can make it harder to stay healthy. And for those who do, it becomes even more important to keep track of medications, maintain physical activity, and make intentional choices about meals.

    “For communities already facing higher rates of diabetes and limited access to care, the holiday season can widen existing health gaps,” shares Joshua Lee, Ph.D., a Forge AHEAD scholar and researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “Rich foods, travel, and stress can make blood sugar control more difficult. Maintaining medication routines, thoughtful eating, and regular activity is key to avoiding complications. Supporting these habits during the holidays helps prevent setbacks and reduces the need for urgent care. It’s also a good time to stay connected with community resources, like local clinics or community health workers, who can help bridge gaps and keep patients engaged in their care.”

    The holiday season is a time of celebration, filled with food, family, travel and traditions. But for many people, it can also mean disrupted routines, more time sitting, and eating habits that stray far from the norm.

    Even for those who don’t have a chronic condition like diabetes, this time of year can make it harder to stay healthy. And for those who do, it becomes even more important to keep track of medications, maintain physical activity, and make intentional choices about meals.

    “For communities already facing higher rates of diabetes and limited access to care, the holiday season can widen existing health gaps,” shares Joshua Lee, Ph.D., a Forge AHEAD scholar and researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “Rich foods, travel, and stress can make blood sugar control more difficult. Maintaining medication routines, thoughtful eating, and regular activity is key to avoiding complications. Supporting these habits during the holidays helps to stay healthy and reduces the need for urgent care. It’s also a good time to stay connected with community resources, like local clinics or community health workers, who can help bridge gaps and keep patients engaged in their care.”

    Across Alabama, Forge AHEAD scholars are exploring approaches that may help communities make small, realistic changes to support better health during the holidays. Their ongoing projects focus on early risk detection, peer-based education, and improved medication systems that could support healthier choices during this time of year.

    Healthy routines often slip during the holidays

    This time of year brings joy, but also challenges. Regular movement slows down. Meals tend to be heavier and more frequent. Travel or shifting schedules can make it easy to skip a dose of medication or forget to refill a prescription. For some, the season leads to avoidance: “I’ll just start again in January.”

    But those small gaps, especially when it comes to blood sugar, blood pressure, or medication use, can grow into larger issues. Many people don’t realize they’re at risk. Others feel overwhelmed or disconnected from resources that could help.

    “The holiday season can widen existing health gaps. Rich foods, travel, and stress make blood sugar control more difficult. Staying consistent with medications, food choices, and physical activity helps prevent complications and keeps people out of urgent care.”

    — Joshua Lee, Ph.D.

    That is where these Alabama-based projects come in. By developing tools that reflect people’s lived experiences and by focusing on support in familiar settings, these researchers aim to offer strategies that may help people maintain healthy habits during the busiest time of year.

    Know your risk

    Lucia Juarez, Ph.D., a Forge AHEAD scholar and researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is developing a diabetes risk score to help identify individuals, particularly Hispanic adults, who may be living with undiagnosed diabetes. Her work includes factors beyond the clinic, such as food access, language, and transportation.

    This approach is intended to help people better understand their risk early, even before symptoms begin. During the holidays, that awareness can lead to small, meaningful behavior changes.

    “The holidays are a joyful time, but they can also be a high-risk period for communities already facing a greater burden of diabetes,” said Juarez. “Supporting nutrition, physical activity, and medication use during this time is critical because even small shifts in behavior can have a long-term impact on health, and for Hispanic communities in Alabama, the holidays are an important moment to stay informed and engaged.”

    Make a change

    • Know Your Numbers: Schedule a screening for blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol before the holiday season. 
    • Start Small: Begin healthy holiday swaps, for example, using whole grains instead of refined carbs or drinking water instead of sugary beverages. 

    “Culturally informed tools help people see themselves in the information we provide. When individuals feel understood and their culture and language are acknowledged, they’re more likely to recognize their risk and take action.”

    — Lucia Juarez, Ph.D.

    Build trust

    Courtney E. Gamston, PharmD, a Forge AHEAD scholar and professor of experiential practice at Auburn University, is working with community health workers (CHWs), trusted individuals trained to help neighbors make informed health decisions. Her project examines how peer-led support from trusted community health workers may assist individuals facing challenges accessing primary care in managing diabetes.

    CHWs offer practical strategies for maintaining healthy behaviors during the holidays, such as modifying traditional recipes, organizing family walks, or simply checking in with reminders and encouragement. They are a trusted resource, especially when the healthcare system can feel difficult to access or disconnected from day-to-day life.

    “Community health workers empower people to enjoy the holidays while safeguarding their health. Their support helps families stay connected to healthy choices even when routines shift.”

    — Courtney Gamston, PharmD

    “During the holidays, people spend more time with friends, family, and community, making it harder to maintain healthy habits,” said Gamston. “Community health workers play a key role in providing education, advocating for healthy choices, and connecting individuals to local resources. Their consistent support for healthy choices empowers people to enjoy the holidays while safeguarding their health.”

    She added, “The holiday season brings increased temptation to indulge in unhealthy foods, reduced opportunities for physical activity, and disruptions to daily routines which can impact medication-taking behaviors. By prioritizing healthy behaviors, individuals avoid short-term health setbacks and reinforce long-term management strategies. This is especially important in communities at high risk for diabetes because we know that diabetes onset and its outcomes are highly linked to our everyday health choices.”

    Stay connected

    • Connect With a Community Health Worker: Ask your local clinic or community organization if CHW-led programs are available in your area.
    • Stay Active Together: Organize or join a community walking group or local dance event during the holidays. 

    Know your medications

    Joshua Lee, Ph.D., a Forge AHEAD scholar, is leading a project at UAB that uses artificial intelligence to identify patients at risk of medication errors after hospital discharge. His system helps health teams intervene early, especially for individuals managing diabetes or taking multiple prescriptions.

    During the holidays, when pharmacies may have reduced hours and travel can interrupt routines, managing medications becomes more complex. Lee’s work is exploring ways to support safer medication management during care transitions, and individuals can also take steps to stay prepared.

    “The holidays can disrupt our daily routines, especially for people managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Missed doses, duplicate medications, or confusion caused by travel and schedule changes can all lead to medication errors. This risk is even higher when care transitions have occurred recently, for example, after a hospitalization, when treatment plans may have changed.

    To reduce their risk, patients should carry an up-to-date medication list, clarify any recent changes with their care team, and use tools like pillboxes or phone reminders to stay on track. During the holidays, it’s especially important for caregivers and providers to stay in sync—whether it’s confirming medication lists before traveling or checking in after recent care changes—to help patients avoid gaps or duplications.”

    Plan ahead

    • Keep a Medication List: Write down all medications and bring the list to holiday travel or family events.
    • Ask Questions: Talk with your pharmacist about refill options if you’ll be traveling or adjusting your schedule.

    You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.

    Whether you’re managing a condition like diabetes, supporting a loved one who is, or just looking to feel better through the holidays, small actions make a difference. The work of these Alabama researchers highlights how health is shaped by more than personal willpower. It is also supported by tools, information, and systems that can make better choices easier.

    If you’re ready to take the first step, whether that’s getting screened, walking with a neighbor, or asking your pharmacist a question, you’re already moving in the right direction.

    Want to learn more about these projects?

    Small Steps for a Healthier Holiday Season

    Know Your Health

    • Schedule a screening for blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol before the holidays (Source: CDC Diabetes Management)

    • Keep an up-to-date medication list and bring it with you when traveling or attending family events (Source: FDA Medication Tips)

    Make Simple Swaps

    Stay Active and Connected

    • Join or start a walking group or a community holiday dance event (Source: NIDDK – Diabetes and Exercise)

    • Connect with a community health worker through a local clinic or organization for support

    Be Prepared

     

     

    Written by: Chris Campos

    Forge AHEAD Center Announces Fifth and Sixth Cohort of Scholars Focused on Advancing Cardiometabolic Health

    Forge AHEAD Center Announces Fifth and Sixth Cohort of Scholars Focused on Advancing Cardiometabolic Health

    The Forge AHEAD Center (FAC) is pleased to introduce the recipients of its pilot funding for the fifth and sixth cohorts – early-stage investigators dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions that address cardiometabolic health challenges and differences in health outcomes across the Deep South.

    These scholars are translating research into action to improve access to care and health outcomes for communities with limited healthcare resources. Join us to become part of a vibrant community not only focused on providing funding but dedicated to making a real difference together.

    Fifth Cohort Scholars

    Seven outstanding early-stage investigators were selected for innovative projects targeting cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and related conditions.

     

    Keri Barron, Ph.D., MSN, BSN

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

    Project: Evaluating the Utilization of the Heart Truth Program® among Young Black Women in the Deep South

    Focus: This project evaluates the reach and outcomes of a national educational campaign addressing cardiovascular health awareness and prevention for young Black women, tailoring efforts to meet the unique health needs of the region.

     

     

    Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

    Project: Pilot Testing of a Primary Care-Based Dyadic Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Intervention: “Heart Care Pairs”

    Focus: Pilots an innovative dyadic intervention that engages primary care patients and their care partners, “Heart Care Pairs”, in shared health behaviors to reduce cardiovascular risks and improve long-term outcomes.

    Deborah Ejem, Ph.D., RN

    Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

    Project: Enhancing Patient-Centered Care for Older African American Patients with Cardiovascular Comorbidities: Piloting the Patient Priorities Care Model at Cooper Green Mercy Health Service Authorities (PPC-HEART)

    Focus: Explores precision, patient-centered approaches to improve co-occurring condition management among older Black patients at a safety-net primary care clinic.

    Abbey Gregg, Ph.D., MPH

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

    Project: Challenges and Enabling Factors to Implementing Remote Patient Monitoring for Hypertensive Conditions of Pregnancy

    Focus: This research examines how remote patient monitoring technology can support management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, particularly for Medicaid-insured populations, addressing logistical obstacles to improve maternal health outcomes.

    Lucia Juarez, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

    Project: Development and Validation of a Diabetes Risk Score for Undiagnosed Hispanics Living in the United States

    Focus: Develops and validates a diabetes risk score developed with community input to improve relevance and uptake to enhance early diabetes detection and prevention for Hispanic populations.

    Seung-Yup “Joshua” Lee, Ph.D.              

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

    Project: AI-Guided Risk Stratification for Medication Reconciliation for Patients with Diabetes

    Focus: Uses artificial intelligence to strengthen medication reconciliation and reduce medication adherence-related risks for patients living with diabetes.

    Chin-Yen Lin, Ph.D., RN

    Assistant Professor, Auburn University

    Project: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Yoga Intervention in Heart Failure Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

    Focus: Evaluates the feasibility and benefits of a yoga intervention developed with community input to enhance cognitive and cardiovascular health in rural areas.

    Sixth Cohort Scholars

    Six early-stage investigators join with projects addressing hypertension, diabetes, food insecurity, and cardiovascular health through innovative approaches developed with input from community partners.

    Osayande Agbonlahor, M.D., Ph.D., MPH

    Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center

    Project: Using a Physician-Patient and Community Advisory Board to Address Health Care Discrimination and Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes for Black Adults

    Focus: Examines how approaches developed with input from community partners and stakeholders can build trust and improve cardiovascular outcomes among Black adults.

    Dashauna M. Ballard, Ph.D., MPH

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

    Project: Empowering faith-based communities to provide personalized diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) in the Magic City: A pilot study

    Focus: Implements a faith-based diabetes self-management program combining community health workers and remote monitoring to improve diabetes-related health outcomes in Black and rural communities. 

    Courtney E. Gamston, ScM, PharmD, BCPS

    Assistant Professor, Auburn University

    Project: Assessing the Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Hispanic Community Health Worker Program in a Safety-net Clinic

    Focus: Evaluates a community health worker program to improve diabetes care and education among Hispanic populations at a safety-net clinic in Alabama.

    Catheryn Orihuela, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

    Project: Impact of a Health Coaching Program to Improve the Health of Food Insecure Adults with Cardiovascular Disease

    Focus: Tests a health coaching program designed to enhance nutrition access and improve cardiovascular health outcomes for adults with cardiovascular disease.

    Chloe Taub, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

    Project: Pharmacist-Led Remote Patient Monitoring for Diabetes and Hypertension Management in Persistent Poverty Areas

    Focus: Tests the feasibility of an AI-supported, pharmacist- and community health worker–led program to improve diabetes and hypertension management in areas with limited healthcare resources.

    Gabriel S. Tajeu, DrPH

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

    Project: A Clinical Decision Support Questionnaire to Identify Obstacles to Blood Pressure Control

    Focus: Develops and tests a clinical decision support questionnaire to identify factors and logistical obstacles influencing blood pressure control and improve hypertension management among patients in a safety-net clinic in Alabama. 

    Supporting Scholarly Success

    The Forge AHEAD Center is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that equips these scholars with the resources they need to succeed. Recipients will receive mentorship, strategic guidance, and funding to translate their innovative ideas into measurable health outcomes.

    By addressing significant health needs related to cardiometabolic conditions, these projects aim to enhance health outcomes and care for communities experiencing healthcare challenges.

    Advancing Health through Innovation

    The Forge AHEAD Center remains committed to driving transformative research that improves cardiometabolic health outcomes for all populations across the Deep South. Together, our scholars and partners are forging a healthier future for all.

    Stay Connected!

    For more details about the scholars and their projects, visit the Forge AHEAD Center’s website. Early-stage investigators interested in applying for upcoming pilot funding cycles are encouraged to review application guidelines and deadlines online.

     

    Mindful living, better living: supporting diabetes care through stress relief in Alabama’s Black Belt

    Mindful living, better living: supporting diabetes care through stress relief in Alabama’s Black Belt

    In Alabama’s Black Belt region, the number of adults living with type 2 diabetes is far above the national average. In some counties, like Wilcox and Perry, nearly 1 in 5 adults—about 19%—have been diagnosed with the condition. In contrast, the national average for type 2 diabetes is approximately 11%, according to the CDC.

    Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the body either doesn’t use insulin well or doesn’t make enough of it, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Over time, this can lead to serious complications like vision loss, nerve damage, or heart disease. Managing it requires consistent care—checking blood sugar, making healthy food choices, staying active, and taking medicine.

    But there’s another part that’s just as real: the emotional toll. When day-to-day care starts to feel heavy, it’s called diabetes distress—and it can make managing the condition even harder.

    This challenge is even greater in rural areas where specialized care and support programs are limited.

    Xie headshot

    Caroline Presley, M.D.

    Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Learn more about Presley.

    Diabetes education meets mindfulness

    That’s the idea behind a project led by Caroline Presley, M.D., a physician and assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She and her team are pilot-testing a new way to help adults improve their diabetes care and emotional well-being through a program called Mindfulness-Based Diabetes Education.

    The program combines two proven strategies:

    • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Gentle breathing and awareness practices that help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
    • Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES): Practical knowledge and tools to support blood sugar control, nutrition, medications, and more.

    Participants in the program attend virtual group sessions from the comfort of home, learning techniques to feel more in control of their daily care.

    Shaped by local experiences, delivered remotely

    This study focuses on adults in the Black Belt region who are managing type 2 diabetes and experiencing high levels of stress. Many have limited access to traditional diabetes education programs. That’s why the sessions are delivered remotely via video, helping people participate no matter where they live.

    Before the program launched, Presley’s team held focus groups with participants from across the region. The feedback they received helped shape the content and delivery of the sessions to match real-life experiences and preferences.

    Why stress relief matters in managing diabetes

    Stress affects more than mood. It can change how your body responds to insulin, make it harder to plan meals or stay active, and increase feelings of burnout. That’s where mindfulness can help.

    Stress Relief Tips You Can Try Today

    • Breathe slowly. Take five deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
    • Notice your surroundings. Take a moment to look around, name three things you see, and notice how your body feels.
    • Stay curious, not critical. If you forget a step or miss a meal plan goal, take a deep breath and start again.
    • Reach out. Sharing how you feel with a friend or loved one can lift a heavy load.

     

    By teaching participants how to pause, breathe, and refocus, the program is helping individuals build confidence and feel more equipped to manage their health—even on the toughest days.

    The research team is currently measuring how feasible and useful the program is. The results will guide a larger future study that could bring this approach to more areas across Alabama and beyond.

    Want to learn more or share with someone you care about?

    To explore Presley’s project and see how mindfulness-based support can enhance diabetes care, visit this page.

    Keep learning: Explore Dr. Presley’s earlier research

    Want more insight into the emotional side of diabetes management?

    📘 Read about Dr. Presley’s recent presentation at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, where she shared findings from a national study on insulin use and emotional stress: Presley’s Research on Emotional Distress and Diabetes Management