Supporting Black Futures During Black History Month by Ending Diabetes Disparities
2 min read
Preventing diabetes may reduce the risk of other diseases and conditions that disproportionately impact African American older adults. Controlling sugar intake may reduce the risk of developing vascular dementia, a type of dementia that is caused by reduced or blocked blood flow. This is also true for other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, which occurs when arteries are clogged or blocked.
The American Heart Association has a good explanation of how diabetes develops:
When your body doesn't produce enough insulin and/or doesn't efficiently use the insulin it produces, sugar levels rise in the bloodstream.
As a result:
- Right away the body's cells may be starved for energy.
- Over time, high blood glucose levels may damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, or heart.
Below are some additional lifestyle changes one can take to lessen the impact of diabetes:
- Achieve a healthy weight
- Choose water, coffee, or tea instead of sugary drinks
- Choose whole grains and whole grain products over refined grains and other highly processed carbohydrates.
- Choose healthy fats.
- Limit red meat and avoid processed meat; choose nuts, beans, whole grains, poultry, or fish instead.
- Don't smoke.
- Get 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity or at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking, jogging, and biking
- Adopt diets such as the Mediterranean Diet or a healthy, plant-based diet, which are associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, respectively.
Although there are many changes one can make to regulate diabetes and the onset of other chronic diseases, more efforts are needed to be taken by state and federal institutions to address diabetes in the African American and Black communities. Small actions such as providing culturally competent health information may help community members better understand how chronic diseases conditions are related and the importance of preventing diabetes. Additionally, health providers, social service providers, and community-based organizations must work together to create strong networks to promote healthy aging among African American older adults.
