by Adrienne Baldwin

Created on: December 29, 2009

“The Sugar”: Diabetes and the Black Community

More than half of all new cases of Diabetes are African-American, a staggering and disturbing statistic. The lack of knowledge, resources, low economic status, and a carefree attitude all contribute to the epidemic of Diabetes in the African-American community.

Many people in the African-American community are unaware of both the warning signs and how to manage Diabetes. I was diagnosed with Diabetes in 2005, and if it had not been for my mother, I could have died from the onset of serious complications of extremely high glucose levels. If it had not been for my mother’s own diagnosis and therefore her knowledge of the disease, I may not have made it to the hospital in time to save my own life.

Diabetes is not often detected until someone begins to experience noticeable symptoms. Symptoms that one may have Diabetes include fatigue, frequent urination along with constant thirst, quick weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases difficulty breathing. It is important that people with Diabetes in their family history pay attention to their bodies so they can take action if they believe they have developed Diabetes. If someone is diagnosed with Diabetes, it is important they take steps to manage the disease. It is important to frequently check blood glucose levels and visit the endocrinologist at least three times a year to check HBA1c levels. (The HBA1c test shows the average glucose levels over the previous three months. A good HBA1c level for a Diabetic is around 7.0). It is important to visit a Diabetes Educator once a year. A Diabetes Educator can provide patients current information and discoveries concerning Diabetes. It is also important that Diabetics make efforts to change their diet and exercise three to four times a week for at least thirty minutes.

Diabetics also need to make sure they are taking enough insulin for their diet. Changing eating habits can assist with managing Diabetes because not only does it lower blood sugar levels, but less carbohydrates in the diet also mean less insulin or medication. Lowering complex carbohydrates in the diet can lower the amount of needed insulin or medication and eventually lower the cost of managing the disease.

The same steps that can be taken to manage the disease can also prevent the onset of type 2 Diabetes. Unfortunately the low-economic status of many in the African-American community prevent families from having healthy diets. Healthy

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>