Diabetes has become an increasing concern for all Americans. While 7% of the general population has been diagnosed with diabetes, over 3 million of those diagnosed are African Americans. That is 13% of the African American population. For African American women over 54 and African men over 65, the percentage rises to 25%.

Type 1 diabetes requires insulin through injections or pumps. Five to 10% of diagnoses are Type 1. Ninety to 95% of diagnoses are Type 2 diabetes may be managed by diet and exercise but is still very serious.

African American celebrities are stepping up to the plate to spread the word about diabetes in African Americans. Gladys Night, of The Pips, who lost her mother to complications of type 2 diabetes in 1997, started the Elizabeth Knight Fund. The fund supports research, education and African American programs as part of the American Diabetes Association. She is also bringing awareness to the issue of African Americans and diabetes through her concerts and media interviews. She has also written a cookbook, At Home With Gladys Knight.

Coach Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts is the newest spokesperson for the African American Programs and School Walk for Diabetes programs. Coach Dungy works in honor of his mother.

Other African American celebrities who work on behalf of this cause are Chicago Bear's coach, Lovie Smith, Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback, Donovan McNabb and Dallas Mavericks' Jerry Stackhouse.

The American Diabetes Association website (diabetes.org) has special links for African Americans on African American Programs and on Diabetes Care and Management. There is also a link for "Recently Diagnosed" to answer questions and provide support connections.

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