Diabetes is a growing epidemic among African Americans, but are you aware of some of the disparities that exist? For one, African Americans are 60 percent more likely to develop diabetes compared to whites. Furthermore, we have a greater risk of suffering from serious complications, including limb amputation, kidney disease and blindness than other races of people who are living with diabetes.
So, how do Black men fit into equation? Well, it’s no secret that Black men (let’s be honest: men of all races) are notorious for not going to the doctor and brushing off seemingly-harmless symptoms, such as extreme thirst and slow-healing cuts and bruises, which can be symptoms of diabetes.
“When compared to the general population, Black men have a higher incidence of the chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes,” Dr. Bola Oyeyipo, a family physician in San Antonio, Texas and co-founder of Healthgist.com. “They also have a high incidence of colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. Regular health screens are important.”