[30 Second Overview]:
Higher Risk: Black Americans are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and experience complications due to factors like limited access to healthy foods, stress, and inequitable healthcare.
Managing and Preventing Diabetes: Healthy eating, daily exercise, and managing stress are key ways to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Technology like continuous glucose monitors helps manage the condition.
Importance of Clinical Trials: Participation in clinical trials by Black Americans is crucial to ensure that treatments are safe and effective for the community.
Did you know that Black Americans are more likely to get type 2 diabetes compared to white Americans? They are also at a higher risk of experiencing health complications from diabetes. Understanding diabetes and taking proactive steps can help reduce these risks.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high because your body cannot make or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps convert the sugar from food into energy. When insulin doesn’t work as it should, sugar builds up in your blood.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in adults, and increasingly in children due to rising obesity rates. In type 2 diabetes, your body makes insulin but doesn't use it effectively.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:
Excessive thirst or hunger
Frequent urination
Blurry vision
Fatigue
Irritability
Managing Diabetes with Technology
Technologies like Dexcom offer 24/7 blood sugar monitoring, helping you stay connected with your doctor and better manage your condition.
How to Lower Your Risk
Eat healthy foods
Exercise 30 minutes daily
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
Manage stress levels
Why Does Type 2 Diabetes Affect Black Americans More?
Limited access to healthy food and safe places to exercise
Genetic predispositions like high blood pressure
Chronic stress from racism and other life challenges
Inequitable healthcare access
The Role of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials have helped identify new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diabetes. Weight loss through diet and exercise has been shown to delay diabetes by up to 15 years.
Why Black Americans Should Participate in Clinical Trials:It’s essential for research to include those most affected by the condition to ensure treatments are safe and effective.
To find clinical trials, ask your doctor or explore resources like Clinicaltrials.gov and the National Institute of Diabetes.
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