Diabetes Supplies in Arkansas — 339,000+ Diabetics | MDS Diabetes

Arkansas Diabetes Rate vs National Average

Arkansas14.5%

National Average12%

Highest (WV)18.2%

Lowest (CO)8.1%

Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 · Diagnosed diabetes among adults 18+

Type 1 Diabetes

16,950

~5% of diagnosed

Autoimmune — requires insulin therapy. CGM is essential for Type 1 management.

Type 2 Diabetes

322,050

~95% of diagnosed

Metabolic — managed with lifestyle, oral meds, or insulin. CGM increasingly recommended.

⚠️ Prediabetes in Arkansas: 810,000+ People

An estimated 810,000 Arkansas adults have prediabetes — blood sugar above normal but below diabetes threshold. Without intervention, 15-30% will develop Type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Many don't know they have it. The CDC Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce risk by 58%.

Arkansas Diabetes Risk Factors

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Adult Obesity Rate

38%

National: 33.9%

Above national average

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Physical Inactivity

30.8%

National: 25.3%

Above national average

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Undiagnosed Diabetics

94,000

National: 27.6% undiagnosed

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Annual Hospitalizations

23,000

National: Diabetes-related

Arkansas has the 7th highest diabetes rate nationally. Rural populations face significant supply access challenges — mail-order diabetes supplies are critical.

Arkansas Climate & Diabetes Supply Impact

🌡️ Heat Risk: Hot humid summers, mild winters, tornado-prone spring

Heat is the #1 enemy of insulin and diabetes supplies in Arkansas. Insulin exposed to temperatures above 86°F begins degrading within hours and is completely destroyed at temperatures above 104°F. Cars in Arkansas summer can reach 130-150°F inside — never leave insulin in a vehicle. A quality insulin cooler is not optional for Arkansas residents.

Insulin Temperature Safety Guide

Below 32°F (0°C)

Insulin FREEZES — permanently destroyed. Do not use frozen insulin.

36-46°F (2-8°C)

Ideal refrigerator storage for unopened insulin. Safe for months.

59-77°F (15-25°C)

Room temperature — opened insulin safe for 28-30 days (most brands).

Above 86°F (30°C)

Insulin begins degrading — effectiveness reduced within hours.

Above 104°F (40°C)

Rapid degradation. Insulin DESTROYED. Never use.

Arkansas Diabetes Insurance Coverage

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Medicaid Expansion: YES — Expanded

Arkansas expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Low-income adults may qualify for comprehensive diabetes coverage including CGM sensors (Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3), insulin pumps, and test strips at little or no cost.

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Medicare in Arkansas: 154,000+ Diabetic Enrollees

Medicare Part B covers CGM sensors (Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3) as durable medical equipment at 80% after deductible for insulin-treated diabetics. Part D covers insulin and oral medications. Prior authorization is typically required. Learn more at our Medicare Coverage Guide →

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FSA & HSA — Works in All 50 States

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used to purchase insulin coolers, CGM overpatches, medical alert ID, test strips, glucose meters, and more at MDS Diabetes — regardless of state Medicaid expansion status. FSA funds expire December 31. See full FSA/HSA guide →

National Diabetes Ranking — Top 10 States

18.2%

17%

16.1%

15.7%

15.5%

14.9%

14.7%

AR ← You are here

14.5%

13.2%

Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

MDS Diabetes Ships to All Arkansas Cities

Whether you live in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, or any of Arkansas's 75 counties, MDS Diabetes ships FSA/HSA eligible diabetes supplies directly to your door — free shipping on orders over $60.

Little RockFort SmithFayettevilleSpringdaleJonesboroNorth Little RockConwayRogers