Diabetes Prevention in African-American Communities

Abstract

Type-2 Diabetes (T2D) has reached epidemic proportions with the number of people
being diagnosed almost tripling in recent generations.1 T2D is the most common form of diabetes
and accounts for about 90% to 95% of all cases of diagnosed diabetes.1 T2D currently
affects 10% of Americans, predictions are that by 2050, 1 of every 5 Americans will be affected
by T2D.2 Sadly, the incidence of T2D is also among the rise in children and has been predicted
to become the “new epidemic” in with an overall increase of 33% in incidence and prevalence
during the past decade.3 T2D is a major health threat that not only has devastating health and
psychosocial effects, but will also significantly impact health care expenses in the future.4-6
The prevalence of T2D is higher in African-Americans and other ethnic minorities.
African-Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites.2 In
addition, African-Americans are more likely to suffer complications from diabetes, such as
end-stage renal disease and lower extremity amputations.7 African-Americans are 3.4 times
more likely to have end stage renal disease and 3.5 times likely to be hospitalized for lower
limb amputations as compared to non-hispanic whites.