Diabetes, mainly type 2 diabetes, is twice as likely to occur in African Americans,  affecting almost 4 million adults and children,  as in non-Hispanic whites. African Americans are also more likely to suffer complications of diabetes and to be hospitalized for it. But it’s encouraging to know that diabetes can be prevented and complications minimized with the proper care, especially self-care.  The information here can help.

Diabetes 101 There are 20.8 million people in the United States who have diabetes, yet 6.2 million are unaware that they have the disease. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use the hormone insulin, made in the pancreas, to help them process blood glucose into energy.  Read more...