• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Find A Doctor
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home / / African Americans And Diabetes

African Americans And Diabetes

A diabetic woman testing her blood glucose level(BlackDoctor.org) — You can get diabetes if your body does not use insulin right. Insulin changes the sugars in food into energy. Type 1 diabetes happens when your body destroys its own cells that make insulin. Type 2 diabetes happens when your body doesn’t make enough insulin. Diabetes affects women of all ages. African Americans are almost twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of the same age.

People with diabetes are more likely to have problems with their skin, mouth, kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and feet. African Americans have higher rates of at least two of diabetes’ most serious complications: amputation (such as having a toe or foot removed), and kidney failure. Although type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented, there are steps you can take to prevent and control type 2 diabetes:

• See your doctor regularly. Don’t forget about the dentist and eye doctor!
• If you smoke, try to quit. Quitting is hard, but there are programs that can help.
• Control your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, your blood pressure, and your weight.
• Get moving. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day, most days of the week. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Or, walk during breaks at work.
• Check your feet every day for blisters, red spots, swelling, or cuts.
• Stay aware of how you feel. If you notice a problem, call your doctor right away.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. This type of diabetes affects about 1 in 20 pregnancies. During pregnancy your body makes hormones that keep insulin from doing its job. To make up for this, your body makes extra insulin. In some women this extra insulin is not enough, so they get gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually goes away when the pregnancy is over. Still, women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

You May Also Like
Ready to Ditch Daily Insulin Injections? Try the Only Tubeless Pump Free for 30 Days

August 23, 2010 by Morgan Curley

Read Next Article

The Latest In

Capital Officer Who Fought Mob, Escorts Kamala Harris To Inauguration

Remember this name: Eugene Goodman. It was on this day just two weeks ago, that Goodman, a U.S. Capitol Police officer, became a hero. He was one of the officers who bravely directed participants in the pro-Trump mob that stormed read more about Capital Officer Who Fought Mob, Escorts Kamala Harris To Inauguration

Kamala Harris Makes History! Sworn in as 1st woman and 1st Black and South Asian to be VP

At noon on Jan. 20, 2021, America ushered in a new administration. Despite attempts by pro-Trump rioters (and the president himself) to overturn the electoral process, American democracy has prevailed. No longer will they be known as the "president-elect" and read more about Kamala Harris Makes History! Sworn in as 1st woman and 1st Black and South Asian to be VP

Ten Health Symptoms Black Men Shouldn’t Ignore

Men tend to ignore subtle signs that their health is in trouble. Black men might be even more likely to take health changes in stride because of cultural beliefs and expectations. That’s a bad idea because African American men can read more about Ten Health Symptoms Black Men Shouldn’t Ignore
Man dedicated to working out.

The No-Gym-Required Fitness Plan You Need to Crush Your Fitness Goals

Yes, you can make your new year’s fitness resolutions happen this year and you don’t need a gym to get it done.  This is all thanks to SWEAT Season, the new 8 Week Fitness Challenge from Get Fit Like That. read more about The No-Gym-Required Fitness Plan You Need to Crush Your Fitness Goals

White House Spends $500,000 for ‘Deep Cleaning’ before Biden-Harris

According to Business Insider, the US government will spend almost $500,000 on a deep clean of the White House before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20, CNN reported, citing government contracts it had viewed. The building has been read more about White House Spends $500,000 for ‘Deep Cleaning’ before Biden-Harris
Twelve hour intermittent fasting time concept with clock on plate.

Intermittent Fasting: What Is It And How Does It Work?

Intermittent fasting is a popular health and fitness trend these days. It is not a diet but an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It's used to lose weight, improve one’s health, and simplify one's lifestyle. read more about Intermittent Fasting: What Is It And How Does It Work?

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Mrs. Parker From ‘Friday’ at 70 & Still Turning Heads!Mrs. Parker From 'Friday' at 70 & Still Turning Heads!
  • This Exercise Gets Rid of Mucus in Your ChestThis Exercise Gets Rid of Mucus in Your Chest
  • Bacterial Vaginosis: What It Is (And How To Deal With It)Bacterial Vaginosis: What It Is (And How To Deal With It)
  • This is How Much Weight You Can Lose if you Clean Your ColonThis is How Much Weight You Can Lose if you Clean Your Colon
  • 6 Cereals That Slim You Down6 Cereals That Slim You Down

Podcast

Diabetes prevention and management podcast

Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Lenore Coleman, a Pharmacist and Founder of Healing Our Village, as they offer you the tools you need to prevent and manage diabetes.

Listen Now

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2021, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.