JMU experts offer insights on diabetes prevention, treatment during National Diabetes Awareness Month
James Madison University experts from the College of Health and Behavioral Studies are available to discuss prevention, treatment and emerging trends related to Type 2 diabetes.
Biswadeep Dhar
Dhar, a JMU assistant professor of health sciences and behavioral medicine researcher, serves as membership committee chair (2025–2029) for the International Society of Behavioral Medicine. He is available to discuss why the 2026-27 global awareness theme of "Early Action" is critical to reversing Type 2 diabetes trends through community partnerships, digital health tools and lifestyle interventions.
An expert on chronic disease prevention and health disparities, Dhar notes that preventing Type 2 diabetes requires addressing both everyday habits and systemic barriers.
"Early screening and lifestyle interventions remain our gold standard, cutting the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 58% through initiatives like the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program," Dhar said. "However, sustainable prevention requires looking beyond individual choices to address barriers such as limited access to healthy food, gaps in rural health care and the cost of managing chronic disease."
Dhar can discuss:
- Why factors beyond diet and exercise, including stress, discrimination and barriers to health care in rural areas, can affect a person's risk for diabetes and their ability to manage the disease.
- The role of family-engaged and faith-based support systems in helping high-risk populations adopt long-term healthy habits.
- Diabetes screening, nutrition and chronic disease management.
- How artificial intelligence and digital health tools can support diabetes prevention and education in underserved populations.
Akers, a JMU professor of health professions and director of JMU's Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program, can discuss evidence-based approaches to preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes through nutrition, physical activity and medication.
Akers specializes in nutrition and exercise interventions for chronic disease prevention and management and has expertise in Type 2 diabetes medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Akers can discuss:
- How nutrition and healthy eating patterns can help prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
- The role of physical activity in improving insulin sensitivity, controlling blood glucose levels, and reducing long-term complications.
- What patients and families should know about GLP-1 medications, including benefits, limitations and common misconceptions.
- How nutrition, exercise and medication work together as part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan.
- Diabetes and nutrition misinformation and how consumers can identify trustworthy health information.
To arrange an interview with either expert, contact Eric Gorton at gortonej@jmu.edu.
