The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently released information about a study that indicates that African-American adults are at twice the risk for Type 2 diabetes (often called adult-onset) as Caucasian American adults. Indeed the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the African-American community is startling. Statistics show that 25 percent of all African-Americans between 65 and 74 years of age have diabetes. Equally alarming is the statistic that diabetes affects one in four African-American women over age 55.
Although diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure, diabetes can be controlled. It is vital that those affected receive adequate education, pay proper attention to diet, exercise and, in some cases, receive oral medications and/or insulin. The study also demonstrates that controlling weight, eating right and exercising may reduce one’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association has implemented a number of programs and services, not only for those who have already been diagnosed with diabetes but also for the undiagnosed and those at high risk. Chicago-area outreach efforts include our African-American Program, a targeted campaign to reach members of the African-American community with information about diabetes through church presentations, workshops, seminars and other culturally appropriate resources.
