Based on U.S. statistics, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2011), which shows why type 2 diabetes continues to pose a great threat to the health of our nation. African Americans represent one of the minority populations most significantly impacted by this deadly epidemic, and although type 2 diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death nationally it represents the fifth leading cause of death for African Americans. Higher rates of diabetes-related complications, such as diabetic blindness, end stage renal disease, and lower extremity amputations occur in African Americans. Additionally, the high risk health behaviors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, including high fat/high caloric diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity are prominent in the African American population, which makes it a primary population to target with diabetes education and prevention measures.
The focus of my blog was to increase awareness regarding the type 2 diabetes epidemic, and illustrate the significance of the this health issue in the African American community. Symptom focused diabetes self-management is common in minority populations with limited means, but it is not effective in minimizing the health consequences of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. My goal was to use this blog to highlight the importance of type 2 diabetes self-management behaviors, such as regular blood glucose monitoring, consuming a healthy diet, participating in regular physical activity, and following through with routine medical appointments. Also, I hope I was able to convey the tremendous need for increased health education and intervention measures, as well as resources to manage the disease, in rural and underserved African American communities in order to reduce type 2 diabetes prevalence. As a health educator, I believe continuing with this blog will serve as a highly useful tool in future efforts to promote type 2 diabetes awareness.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (2011). 2011 National diabetes factsheet. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/estimates11.htm
