Type 2 Diabetes - The Near Epidemic Levels of Diabetes Amongst African-Americans

Today, there is escalating concern about the onset of Type 2 diabetes in African-Americans. Information obtained from the National Diabetes Education Program indicates that diabetes is impacting African-Americans in what can only be interpreted as near epidemic levels.

African-Americans comprise one of the most sizable ethnic groups in the United States, and the data reveals they may be the largest number of sufferers of Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Type 2 diabetes is becoming recognized as one of the foremost causes of premature disability and mortality among these people.

Numerous contributing factors that lead to Type 2 diabetes have been identified:

hereditary variables,obesity,hypertension, andhigh cholesterol levels

are examples of the underlying contributors which are considered to lead to up to 95% of the cases of Type 2 diabetes. Even though some contributing factors are still unsupported by clinical data, the genetic make-up of African-Americans is believed to be linked to their susceptibility to the disease. Current estimates place the actual number of diabetic African-Americans at 3.2 million, of which as many as 33% are believed to be undiagnosed.

Throughout African-American communities, current data reveals the probability of complications caused by diabetes tend to be much higher among the poor when compared with other ethnic groups. This increases the concerns a lack of accessibility to heath care treatment and services may be the primary reason why Type 2 diabetes in several segments of the African-American population is increasing. The potential for contracting this form of diabetes is comparatively lower for wealthier African-Americans and comparable to that of some other ethnic groups.

In addition to insufficient access to health care,

insufficient information about diabetes, andlack of available emergency medical treatment, andlifesaving medications,

the majority of people in poor areas experience foods which often are lacking in nutrients and vitamins.

The explosion of fast food chains seems to target racial groups like African-Americans. Food items offered by fast food restaurants tend to be high in saturated fats and carbohydrates, but lacking in any real nutritional value. A good example is French fries, which are among the least advisable foods for diabetics. Regrettably, French fries are now virtually synonymous with fast food eateries. French fries are carbohydrate-rich as well as high in unwanted fat.

Low-income households patronize these fast food establishments mainly because they offer comparatively cheap eating choices. Fast food seem to provide answers to the needs of families having limited finances and access to good dietary information.

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