Diabetes Awareness Month: How Fairview Supports Mississippi's Diabetic Community

Where Mississippi stands

Several patterns affect outcomes in Mississippi.

• Diabetes prevalence above the national average.
• Higher rates of related complications including diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease.
• Significant disparities by race and rural geography.
• Lower rates of recommended monitoring and preventive care.
• Higher rates of amputation than the national average.

The gap is not closed by any single intervention. It is closed by consistent management across years, with all the moving pieces working together.

Are you at risk

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

• Family history.
• Age over 45.
• Overweight or obesity, particularly abdominal weight.
• Physical inactivity.
• History of gestational diabetes or large birth weight baby.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian American ancestry.
• High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol.
• Prediabetes (elevated A1c or fasting glucose).

Adults with risk factors should be screened. A1c is the most common screening test.

Prediabetes is the most undertreated stage

Roughly 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes, and most do not know it. Prediabetes (A1c 5.7 to 6.4 percent or fasting glucose 100 to 125) can be reversed in many patients with lifestyle interventions. The Diabetes Prevention Program research demonstrated that modest weight loss plus moderate physical activity reduced progression to type 2 diabetes by more than half in patients with prediabetes. Medications including metformin have evidence for prevention as well.

If you have diabetes

Several pieces of management work together.

Monitoring

• A1c every 3 to 6 months depending on control.
• Home blood glucose monitoring or continuous glucose monitoring as appropriate to your treatment.
• Annual eye exam.
• Annual foot exam.
• Kidney function tests as recommended.
• Blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring.

Medications

Treatment options have expanded significantly in the past decade.

• Metformin remains first line for most patients.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, others) reduce A1c, support weight loss, and have cardiovascular and kidney benefits in many patients.
• SGLT-2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, others) reduce A1c, support cardiovascular and kidney outcomes.
• Sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, and insulin remain part of the toolkit.

The right combination depends on your A1c, weight, kidney function, cardiovascular risk, and individual situation. Decisions are made with your prescriber, supported by your pharmacist who handles the day to day medication management.

How Fairview supports diabetic patients

• Free medication consultations to review your diabetes regimen.
• Diabetes supplies including meters, test strips, lancets, and pen needles.
• Insulin storage guidance and refill coordination.
• Medication synchronization so all your refills come due together.
• Vaccinations including pneumococcal, flu, COVID, hepatitis B, RSV, and others recommended for diabetic patients.
• GLP-1 specific support including injection technique, side effect management, and timing.
• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) supplies and education in many cases.
• Foot care product guidance.
• Coordination with your prescriber on prior authorizations and refill requests.
• Statewide service for patients across Mississippi.

GLP-1 medications and Mississippi

The newer GLP-1 medications have changed diabetes management dramatically. Significant A1c reductions, substantial weight loss in many patients, cardiovascular and kidney benefits. Side effects including nausea, vomiting, and constipation are common, particularly when starting. Many patients tolerate them better with dose titration, dietary adjustments, and pharmacist support.

Access can be a challenge in Mississippi: insurance coverage varies, supply has been intermittent, and not every prescriber is equally comfortable with the newer medications. Your pharmacist can help navigate coverage, identify alternatives if a specific product is unavailable, and support adherence.

Sick day management

Illness affects blood sugar significantly. Diabetic patients benefit from having a sick day plan.

• Continue most diabetes medications during illness unless specifically instructed otherwise.
• Some medications including SGLT-2 inhibitors and metformin may need to be paused during severe illness; have a plan.
• Monitor blood sugars more frequently.
• Stay hydrated.
• Watch for signs of diabetic ketoacidosis including high blood sugars with nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, or confusion. This is a medical emergency.
• Have a contact plan for who to call if blood sugars are not controllable.

When to talk to a pharmacist

• You have prediabetes and want guidance on prevention.
• Your A1c has been climbing.
• You are starting or considering a GLP-1 medication.
• You take multiple diabetes medications and want a review.
• You have not had a vaccine review and want to know which vaccines apply for diabetes.
• You are caring for a diabetic family member.
• You are managing diabetes in a pharmacy desert and need statewide support.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Before starting or changing any medication, including over the counter products and supplements, talk with your pharmacist or physician about your specific situation.