According to the National Diabetes Education Program, there is a current epidemic of diabetes among African Americans. There are certain factors that are believed to cause Type II diabetes, which accounts for nearly 95 percent of all cases of the disease. It is estimated that about 3.2 million African Americans have Type II diabetes and about one third of them are undiagnosed. This is most likely due to poor health care in certain communities, limited access to drugs that can potentially save their lives and less education.
Many people who live in poor communities, in addition to receiving substandard medical care, little education about disease and limited access to lifesaving drugs, also are inundated with fast food restaurants that seem to target certain ethnic groups. African Americans can prevent acquiring Type II diabetes in many different ways. One way is to take a look at the Glycemic Index and realize which foods are harmful to them and which to avoid. This small step may end up saving the life of someone who is on the verge of getting this potentially life threatening illness. African Americans need to realize that they are experiencing an epidemic of Type II diabetes in their community and do all that they can to stamp it out.
Depression in a Diabetic, a Killer
Many diabetics experience a period of denial when first diagnosed with diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association; people with diabetes have a greater risk for developing depression than other individuals. There are frequent doctor visits and there may be several different medication combinations needed before your blood sugar is kept under control. As the depression continues, people often lose interest in monitoring their blood sugar levels and may even skip their medication. Many people suffer from depression, but for a diabetic, it can be life threatening. Depression and diabetes is a dangerous combination.
If you feel you are suffering from some of the signs of depression, ask your doctor to recommend a therapist who is familiar in dealing with people with chronic illness. Therapy can be crucial for a diabetic patient who feels isolated because of all of the extra work involved in treating their illness. Any time someone is diagnosed with an illness puts them at risk for depression. Any time someone is diagnosed with an illness puts them at risk for depression. Their world has changed and no longer feels safe. Worse of all, they feel out of control.
Diabetic and Diet
Many people with Type II diabetes are often prescribed tablets or pills in an attempt to control their condition prior to having to use insulin Carbohydrates are a large group of foods that are necessary for a balanced diet. Carbohydrates are a complex group of foods and different groups cause different effects to the blood stream. While diabetics have a difficult time breaking down any carbohydrates in their blood stream, those with the highest Glycemic Index rating take the longest to break down in the blood stream and cause the most harm.
If you have recently been diagnosed with Type II diabetes and have been given medication by your doctor as well as diet suggestions, follow the doctor’s instructions. A diabetic diet should include limits on carbohydrates and increases in protein. It is unfortunate that so many people are continuing to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Foot Complications of Diabetes
This is one of the most common complications of diabetes, more than anyone, need to make certain that they address any problems with their feet early on as such problems can result in a life threatening condition. The injury may result in a blister or wound that will be slow to heal. The blister or wound becomes infected and the foot complications of diabetes begin. Because high blood glucose levels make it difficult to stave off infection, a diabetic with a sore on their foot must be treated differently than a person without diabetes. It begins to bleed and crack. Then bandage it, hoping it will heal. It does not heal and soon the wound becomes infected. Gangrene can kill a person, and the doctor knows this. So the person with diabetes has a choice, they can either lose their toe or their life. In most cases, they choose to lose the toe.
Avoid foods that are high in starch and sugars. The Glycemic Index is an excellent tool that can inform a diabetic about which foods should be avoided. Maintain your weight and exercise regularly. This will also boost your immune system. By complying with your physician, you can avoid many of the complications that accompany diabetes. If you or a loved one has this condition, see the doctor regularly and follow the plans to manage the disease.