Diabetes and African American
Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of individuals throughout the world, and it is a condition that affects the African American community dramatically. One is said to be diabetic when the blood glucose levels are elevated above what is considered normal. An organ within the human body called the pancreas produces insulin, which is a hormone that assists glucose into our cells to then be used for energy. The human body absorbs glucose from the food that is consumed every day, and most of that food is turned in to glucose. Individuals are diagnosed with diabetes whenever their pancreas produces and insufficient amount of insulin (Centers for Disease Control, 2007). Diabetes is a condition that has plagued the …show more content…
There are many factors which contribute to African Americans and their susceptibility to diabetes along with many speculations to the causative agent for this condition among African Americans; many methods are available to help prevent and control this epidemic. Decreasing the risk by education and lifestyle changes is crucial to the future of the black community.
The Epidemic within the African American Community
The statistics indicating the number of African Americans affected by diabetes are startling. According to the American Diabetes Association 13.3% of all African Americans older than 20 have diabetes and one in four African American women over the age of 55. Type-1 diabetes or also known as juvenile diabetes affects a small number of diabetics. Type-2 diabetes or adult onset diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and the form that is most common among African Americans.