Currently, a majority of the 3.7 million African-Americans who have been diagnosed with diabetes are dealing with the common Type-2 form of the disease.
Recent reports, however, are showing that the rate of Type-1 diabetes among African-Americans is steadily increasing.
Researchers at the Colorado Health Sciences Center have recently completed a study on Type-1 diabetes which, when combined with data from previous reports, indicates that cases of the disease are becoming more common. What was once known simply as “juvenile diabetes” is now having more of an impact on adults.
“New Type-1 diabetes statistics seem higher than in past years,” said Dana Dabelea, Ph.D., who worked on the study of over 2,000 children with Type-1 diabetes.”
Dabelea said statistics show that whites continue to make up a majority of Type-1 cases, with the disease affecting one in 3,000 whites, and one in 5,000 Blacks and Latinos.
Researchers warn, however, that minorities could quickly catch up to their white counterparts if more families don’t make changes to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as incorporating exercise into their routine and eating more nutritious foods.
Perhaps the largest obstacle to preventing Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes is the higher prevalence of obesity among children.
Nationally, 10 to 15 percent of children are overweight – about double the number two decades ago, and statewide statistics paint an even less appealing picture.
“At least 36 percent of boys and 32 percent of girls in Indiana are overweight by the 11th grade – over 22 percent and 15 percent are obese,” noted Judy Monroe, M.D., Indiana State Health Commissioner. “The frequency of childhood obesity in Indiana increases the likelihood of diabetes.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.8 million African-Americans have diabetes, with at least 10 percent suffering from Type-1.
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is needed to process sugar and starches into energy.
Many still aren’t aware of the difference between the two types of diabetes.
In Type-2 diabetes, the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin or it can’t make enough insulin. In Type-1 diabetes the body simply can’t make enough insulin.
The exact cause of diabetes is a mystery, but researchers believe that both genetics and environmental factors play roles in who will develop the disease.
Diabetics suffer from low glucose levels (sugar) in their blood. Low blood sugar levels can make a person disorientated, dizzy, sweaty and hungry. The person might also have headaches, have sudden mood swings, have difficulty paying attention, or have tingling sensations around the mouth.
Although they still represent a small number of Type-1 cases, African-Americans do have a greater risk of developing some of the severe symptoms associated with the disease, including kidney failure and loss of eyesight.
“Compared with Type-1 diabetic in whites, African-Americans with Type-1 diabetes have more visual loss defined as doubling of the visual angle in the better eye,” said Dr. Monique S. Roy of the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, who completed a study with New Jersey Medical on 500 African-Americans with Type-1 diabetes, 15 percent of whom reported developing vision problems.
Fortunately, recent medical projects might offer longtime ways to prevent the onset of Type-1 diabetes.
Researchers at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh have cured diabetes in mice by using leukophoresis, which restores healthy blood cells and insulin producing cells in the pancreas. At the University of Florida, researchers have demonstrated that the severity of Type-1 diabetes can be reduced in children who are given healthy, insulin producing stem cells saved from their own umbilical cords.
Medical professionals say that ultimately the power to prevent diabetes lies in the hands of individuals who can make healthier choices for themselves and their families, such as developing a healthy meal plan and making time for exercise, both of which keep blood glucose levels at a normal level.
“Physical activity significantly reduces the risk of developing not only diabetes, but also coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and certain cancers,“ said Dr. Virginia A. Caine, Marion County Health Director. “Physical activity, along with eating healthy food items, are vital to controlling diabetes, hypertension, weight, and stress. People of all ages benefit from regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of walking five or more times a week.”
