For this discussion paper, we will focus on Diabetes in African Americans. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. In the case of African Americans, this population group faces a higher risk of developing diabetes than other racial and ethnic groups.

Diabetes in African Americans

Healthcare disparities also contribute to the adverse effects of diabetes. These disparities can result in delayed diagnosis, inadequate management of the condition, and limited access to diabetes education. Consequently, African Americans with diabetes may experience more severe complications and poorer health outcomes than other populations.

The adverse effects of diabetes on African Americans are far-reaching and can significantly impact both the individuals and the population. Diabetes increases the risk of various complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and lower-limb amputations. These complications can increase morbidity, reduced quality of life, and premature mortality among African Americans.

Diabetes in African Americans and Evidence-Based Approaches to Optimize Health in African Americans

By implementing evidence-based approaches that include cultural tailoring, health literacy improvement, chronic disease management, addressing bias and discrimination, community engagement, and policy and advocacy efforts, health disparities among African Americans can be minimized. These approaches aim to provide equitable and culturally sensitive care, empower individuals, and address the underlying social determinants contributing to health disparities.

Increasing Health Literacy can be one of the evidence-based approaches. Low health literacy can contribute to health disparities. Evidence-based approaches focus on improving health literacy by providing precise and accessible health information. This can be achieved by developing plain language materials, educational programs, and community workshops. Improving health literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health, engage in preventive behaviors, and effectively manage chronic conditions, thus minimizing health disparities.

Christian Street YMCA. Opened in 1914, this was the first Black YMCA to have its building. A social centre and meeting place for African-American organizations, it provided recreational and educational opportunities for members of the Black community. (Historicl Marker at 1724 Christian St., Philadelphia PA – Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission 1991) By incorporating evidence-based practices and cultural sensitivity, this proposed health education program, such as family-based wellness activities, aims to empower African American families to take an active role in their health and well-being. Addressing prevalent health issues, promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing health disparities, and providing preventative care. The center’s main focus is on diabetes in African Americans. 

Diabetes in African Americans

The education plan, which is family-based wellness activities, can be utilized by organizing family-oriented activities that promote physical fitness, such as walking clubs, dance classes, or sports events, or even encouraging healthy cooking and nutrition by hosting cooking demonstrations and providing recipe ideas that align with African American culinary traditions. Involving Certified Diabetes Educators, Exercise physiologists who are interdisciplinary health professionals in the health promotion of diabetes in the African American population ensures a comprehensive approach. This approach addresses medical, nutritional, psychological, and community-related aspects. This holistic approach improves the effectiveness of interventions, facilitates culturally appropriate care, and enhances patient outcomes by considering African Americans’ unique needs and challenges in managing diabetes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aABh6SipYAg

Referrals for Diabetes in African Americans