It’s no secret that diabetes is a major illness among African-American people. According to the American Diabetes Association 4.9 million, or 18.7% of all African-Americans 20 years or older suffer from diabetes. The shocking news is that diabetes is 60% more common in African-Americans than in white Americans. African-Americans are twice as likely to suffer an amputation and five times more likely to suffer kidney disease than other people with diabetes. It doesn’t stop there; African Americans are almost 50% more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy leading to blindness than other races. We have a health emergency in the black community and we need to use every tool at our disposal to conquer this illness.
Its nice to have a smartphone but we need to learn to do more with the technology than talk, text and post tweets and images on some social media site. We need to learn to use technology to confront, manage and eventually eliminate the problems that plague black people.
Odds are that you know someone with diabetes; maybe yourself or a relative. And I bet you or that person have a nice smartphone. There are apps available for both Android and iPhone that are designed to help monitor and control diabetes. Its time black people learn how to use that technology to effectively manage and control diabetes. I strongly urge you to investigate the best of these apps listed below to help yourself or someone you love.
But let’s be real for a second; for black people food is an extension of our identity. But because of diabetes some black people can’t always enjoy the ethnic food we so love. But the situation is not hopeless. You can find excellent soul food recipes for diabetics online. And Amazon has the New Soul Food Cook Book for People with Diabetes. You can also search online. Here’s a suggestion; search “Soul food for diabetics.”
Being black and diabetic has its own special challenges. But never believe you are alone. The Internet is meant to bring people together and share. There are ways to connect with black diabetics at the African American Health With a Focus on Diabetes, Hypertension and Stress Facebook page. You can also visit blackdiabeticinfo.com.
Diagnosing and treating diabetes is a partnership between you and your doctor. Living a normal, healthy and enjoyable life is completely possible. But you have to work with your doctor and for yourself. That means you have to use the knowledge and technology available to you. They don’t call it a smartphone for nothing.
This article is republished by permission from the African American Cyber Report.