There has been increased prevalence
of Diabetes among African Americans 18 year and older in the United States
between 2002 -2010. Diabetes among the America is an important topic of
discussion because it is predicted that the rates of the disease will increase
as it is evident that more Americans are becoming obese. This disease is even
more of an issue within the African American community being that despite being
a minority within the US, the rates of diabetes within this group are almost 2
times more likely than non-Hispanic whites (Disease
and African Americans). Diabetes is
7th leading cause of death in Americans and the cause of major issues such as
heart disease and stroke. Diabetes also is a contributing factor to other
health problems like hypertension, kidney disease, blindness, and even limb
amputations. The cost of diabetes related care is also reason to address this
public health issue as healthcare spending is an important topic within US
politics.
There are various avenues that can
be assessed to determine why this health issue is occurring. Indicators, both
indirect and direct, contribute to understanding the factors that play a role
in diabetes among this group. According to the CDC’s 2003 National Fact
Sheet, in 2002, “11.4% of all non-Hispanic blacks aged twenty years or
older have diabetes.” In addition to this, the United States’ Diabetes Crisis among African Americans: Today and
Future Trends reports that 5,547,700 of 40, 951, 000 (roughly 13.5%) African
Americans had diabetes in 2010 and projected a growth to about 20% in 2025. From
this data it is apparent that the trend of this disease is definitely
increasing. This data is strong evidence
in that it also gives future predictions if actions are not taken against combating this disease.
In today’s American society and
culture, life is moving by fast. It’s no doubt that there is only so much time
in the day, and with adults having such busy lives they may have to make
decisions that can later on impact their health. There are many players that can
greatly affect the non-healthy choices that are made that can cause diabetes. Social
culture and education all indicate the trend of diabetes in the African
American community. The idea of “Soul Food” has long been embedded in the
lifestyles of many African Americans. This food, although is just a heavenly
taste, is not particularly nutritious because of the way that it may be
prepared. A study of African Americans in California showed that fast food
restaurants were most preferred among eat out dining options at 29% (Cowling 2). Although the data is a
strong inclination of poor diet options, the data was self-reported and may have
included bias. Not only does food choice factor into the big picture, but
education levels perhaps. In a press release by the CDC, it was noted that, “2007-2010,
women 25 years of age and over with less than a bachelor’s degree were more
likely to be obese (39 percent-43 percent)” (Press Release). This is just one statistic that shows that those
who are less educated are more likely to be obese. Obesity is on the road to
diabetes. Other factors that can be evaluated include socioeconomic status,
fast food restaurant density within urban communities, unemployment rates, food
deserts, obesity, prices of healthy food versus unhealthy food, family history
and access to healthcare prior to diagnosis.
"Press Release." Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 May 2012. Web.
28 Mar. 2013
"2003 National Diabetes Fact Sheet." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., 20 May
2011. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
"Diabetes and African Americans." The Office of
Minority Health. US Department of Health and Human Services, 28 Aug. 2012.
Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
"United States’ Diabetes Crisis among African Americans:
Today and Future Trends."Institute for Alternative Futures.
Institute for Alternative Futures, 2011. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
Cowling, Linda L. Health and Dietary Issues Affecting
African Americans. California Food Guide: Fulfilling the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 1-2.California Department of
Healthcare Services. California Department of Healthcare Services, 20 Sept.
2006. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.