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Addressing Diabetes and Reducing Obesity

In accordance with the 2023-2026 Community Health Needs Assessment and strategic direction from University of Utah Health, addressing diabetes and obesity while reducing obesity-related chronic conditions is a major focus.

We have committed as a system to continue to advocate for clear, science-supported policy recommendations on public health needs related to obesity and diabetes. Leveraging our integrated health system, we will continue working alongside our partners and patients with chronic conditions to better coordinate their care. We will also expand health coaching to more patients with chronic conditions.

Institutional Initiatives

Driving Out Diabetes Initiative

In partnership with the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, U of U Health's Driving Out Diabetes initiative battles diabetes through education and prevention outreach, innovations in clinical care, and cutting-edge research.

Learn About the Initiative

Diabetes & Metabolism Research Center

The Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center (DMRC) aims to bring together clinicians, researchers, and educators to broadly support research relating to diabetes, metabolism, and overall metabolic health.

Explore the Research

Diabetes & Endocrinology Services

U of U Health offers diabetes management services across the Wasatch Front with the goal of helping diabetes patients reduce complications, alleviate suffering, and preventing the disease.

Get Diabetes Care

News & Updates

Targeting T Cell Protein Could Prevent Type 1 Diabetes

Researchers at University of Utah, including Dean Tantin and colleagues, have identified a new therapeutic target to treat patients with type 1 diabetes. The study about proteins called OCA-B was published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM).

Read the Full Article

U of U Health Expert Aids Passage of Diabetes Legislation

Living with diaabetes isn't easy. But thanks to the joint efforts of University of Utah scientist Michelle Litchman, state legislator Norm Thurston, and other diabetes advocates, a new law could offer an important lifeline to Utahans with diabetes who depend on insulin to survive.

Read More About the Law

Pioneering the Future by Redefining Diabetes

Redefining Diabetes tells the tales of four paradigm-shifting accomplishments that are unraveling the complexities of the disease, revealing previously unrecongnized opportunities for intervention and celebrating high-impact discoveries made at University of Utah Health. 

Explore the Series

Tailoring Diabetes Care To the Hispanic Community

Nancy Allen's clinical and academic work at University of Utah Health focuses on the self-management of diabetes in defferent racial, thnic, and vulnerable populations- particularly the Hispanic community, which has a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a genetic condition. 

Outreach in Action

Sea Snail, Human Insulin Hybrid Could Lead to Better Diabetes Treatments

Nearly a century after insulin was discovered, an international team of researchers, including U of U Health scientists, have developed the world's smallest, fully functional version of the hormone, combining the potency of human insulin with the fast-acting potential of a cone snail venom. 

Dive into the Research

Strategies to Meet CHNA Requirements

Below are specific strategies and initiatives related to diabetes, obesity, and obesity-related chronic conditions that University of Utah Healths commits to as part of the Community Health Needs Assessment process and will work towards over the next three years:

Strengthen and support community-focused programs for addressing obesity & diabetes prevention

  • Increase the number of encounters between community members and The Wellness Bus by 5% each year for the next 3 years
  • Increase participation in both the Crush Diabetes and the Team Thrive childhood diabetes prevention programs by 5% each year for the next 3 years
  • Increase the reach of evidence-based programs for individuals with obesity in underserved populations
  • Create an obesity & diabetes prevention, education, and outreach taskforce to coordinate efforts to reach out to and learn from underrepresented populations

Improve access to healthy food

  • Research and create a food pharmacy that could be piloted in a minimum of two U of U Health clinics
  • Increase participation in the Food Movement and You program by 5% each year for the next 3 years

Increase screenings, referrals, and treatment for obesity and diabetes programs

  • Increase the number of patients that can access care through Utah Diabetes and Endocrinology center
  • Increase the number of patients who participate in the Intensive Diabetes Education And Support (IDEAS) program
  • Increase the number of patients who participate in a Comprehensive Weight Management Program

Encourage our employees to participate in health and wellness programs

  • Implement a diabetes initiative to help our employees and their families prevent and manage diabetes
  • Encourage participation in programs available to employees