Diabetes has emerged as a formidable health challenge within the African American community, ranking as the fifth leading cause of death. Alarmingly, the mortality rate for African Americans due to diabetes is 27% higher compared to their white counterparts. Over 2.8 million African Americans are living with diabetes, and a staggering one-third are unaware of their condition. The prevalence of diabetes among African Americans aged 65-74 is 25%, and one in four African American women over 55 years old has been diagnosed with the disease.
The etiology of diabetes is complex, involving an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Studies suggest that African Americans and recent African immigrants may carry a "thrifty gene" inherited from their ancestors, which historically helped in conserving energy during periods of food scarcity. Today, this gene may contribute to challenges in managing weight, potentially exacerbating the risk of diabetes.
This genetic predisposition, along with impaired glucose tolerance, is often linked to a propensity for high blood pressure. Impaired glucose tolerance is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that fall short of diabetes but still pose a significant risk for the disease's development.
Diabetes, often referred to as "sugar diabetes," is a condition where the body cannot adequately produce or utilize insulin, a hormone essential for converting sugar, starches, and other foods into energy. It is a chronic illness with no known cure and should be taken seriously due to its severe nature.
Symptoms of low blood glucose, such as disorientation, dizziness, sweating, hunger, headaches, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, or tingling around the mouth, can significantly impact those with diabetes.
Pre-diabetes: This stage is marked by blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes can damage the heart and circulatory system but can often be managed through blood glucose control, potentially preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body produces little or no insulin, typically diagnosed in individuals under 20 years old but can occur at any age. It accounts for 5-10% of diabetes cases among African Americans and requires daily insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes: Making up 90-95% of diagnosed diabetes cases in African Americans, this type arises when the body does not use insulin properly. It is often associated with individuals over 45, a family history of diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and cholesterol issues. Early stages may be managed with lifestyle changes, but later stages often require medication or insulin.
Gestational Diabetes: This form affects pregnant women and is characterized by high blood glucose levels. While it typically resolves after childbirth, those affected have a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Common indicators of diabetes include:
Diabetes can lead to severe complications such as strokes, blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and amputations. African Americans with diabetes are disproportionately affected by these complications:
Kidney Disease: Diabetes is the second leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in African Americans, contributing to approximately 30% of new cases annually, as reported by the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. Up to 21% of individuals with diabetes will develop kidney disease.
Amputations: Diabetes is the primary cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the U.S., with African Americans nearly three times more likely to undergo such amputations compared to whites. The CDC noted around 82,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations among people with diabetes in 2001.
Blindness: African Americans face double the risk of diabetes-related blindness. Diabetic retinopathy, a condition affecting the eye's blood vessels, can lead to vision impairment and blindness.
Heart Disease: The risk of heart disease is up to four times higher in individuals with diabetes, with atherosclerosis being more prevalent and increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and poor circulation.
You are at an increased risk for diabetes if you have any of the following:
The African American community faces a significant burden from diabetes, with higher rates of complications and mortality. If you possess any risk factors for diabetes, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for a blood glucose test and discuss lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk.
For more information on managing diabetes and reducing its impact, visit the American Diabetes Association and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
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