African Americans and Diabetes

African American diabetes is extremely prevalent among individuals in the United States and other regions of the world. Diabetes is not one disease but a group of diseases that are characterized by relatively high levels in the blood glucose of the body. This stems as a result of various types of defects related to the production of insulin in the body. This group of diseases could lead to many health complications among sufferers. It could even lead to the onset of premature death. As a matter of fact, in the United States, this group of diseases is considered to be one of the leading causes of both disability and death. In this guide, you will learn important facts pertaining to African American diabetes.

In the years of 2004, 2005, and 2006 a national health survey was conducted which tested the number of African Americans that had diabetes. During these years, it was established that nearly four million individuals in this ethnic group had diabetes. Out of this number, it was established that nearly twelve percent had been diagnosed with the condition. Additionally, nearly fifteen percent of all African Americans that were considered non-Hispanic and were at least twenty years old were considered to have diabetes - although it is believed that not all cases are diagnosed. It has been established that African Americans are nearly twice as likely to have this condition in correlation to Caucasians that are not Hispanic. Furthermore, a quarter of all African Americans between the ages of sixty five and the age of seventy five have this condition.

When it comes to the overall population, it has been established that African Americans are affected by diabetes in a manner that is often described as "disproportionately". It is a known fact that certain ethnic groups have a higher chance of developing certain health conditions. When it comes to diabetes, African Americans have a higher chance of suffering from the condition. There are many health complications that this ethnic group may experience when they suffer from this health condition. They are as follows:

• Eye complications are a common complication associated with diabetes. When an African American experiences this type of glucose health condition, they have a fifty percent chance of developing a condition that is medically referred to as "Diabetic Retinopathy". Among the general population, this is known as blindness.

• Individuals in this ethnic group that suffer from diabetic health complications have a chance of developing disease associated with the kidneys. This group is three to six times more likely to develop serious health complications associated with the kidneys such as an issue identified in the medical community as "End Stage Renal Disease" or "ESRD".

• Many that suffer from issues associated with diabetes - such as African Americans - suffer from various types of nerve damage. This is medically termed as "Diabetic Neuropathy". Individuals that experience this are likely to suffer from pain, numbness, and stinging sensations.

If you are an African American, it is important to understand that you have a relatively high chance of developing diabetes. Here, you have learned about the statistics surrounding this condition. If you feel that you are at risk for diabetes, it is important that you consult a medical professional. They will be able to test you and educate you on African American diabetes.