Preventing Diabetes – Don’t Become a Statistic

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African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes, when compared to the rest of the general population. African American diabetes diagnoses are swiftly reaching epidemic proportions.

• 14.7 percent of all African Americans aged 20 years or older have diabetes.
• African Americans are 1.8 times have a greater risk to have diabetes as non Hispanic whites.
• 25 percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
• 1 in 4 African American women over 55 years of age has diabetes.

The Different Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes results when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its own insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Individuals with type 1 diabetes must have insulin delivered by injection or a pump. Some of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms will usually develop over a short period of time. If type 1 diabetes is not diagnosed and treated, a person can lapse into a life-threatening coma. 5 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in adults are Type 1.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes effectively. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults over the age of 40. Children and adolescents are falling victim to Type 2 diabetes more and more. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are feeling tired or ill, unusual thirst, frequent urination (nighttime), weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, and slow-healing wounds. Slow healing wounds is often not as noticeable as Type 1. However some people have no symptoms. 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in adults are Type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors

Type 2 diabetes is at a higher risk if the person has a family history of diabetes. A member of the family is of an ethnic group like African American. Overweight or obesity can lead to Type 2 diabetes. 45 years of age or older increases the risks to diabetes. Gestational diabetes while pregnant can lead to Type 2. Having higher glucose levels that are not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Abnormal lipid levels as well can contribute to Type 2. Blood vessel problems, dark patches of skin around the neck and armpits, and lack of physical movement are contributing factors to Type 2 diabetes.