DIABETES/HEART HEALTH

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. The body of someone diagnosed with diabetes makes too little insulin or cannot use its own insulin as well as it should, causing sugar to build up in the blood. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational (during pregnancy). Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that renders one insulin-dependent due to the loss of pancreatic beta cell function. Type 2, the most common, is characterized by insulin resistance, and is a progressive disease. Gestational diabetes is first recognized during pregnancy and is largely due to insulin resistance caused by pregnancy hormones.

Diabetes can cause serious health issues, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

According to the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes and heart disease. Of all African Americans aged 20 years or older, 4.9 million (18.7%) have diabetes. The following statistics reveal the disparities that AAHP works to eliminate. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, African Americans are:

1.8 times more likely to have diabetes;
Almost 50% as likely to develop diabetic retinopathy;
2.6-5.6 times as likely to suffer from kidney disease; and
2.7 times as likely to suffer from lower-limb amputations.

Diabetes and heart disease are closely connected. Thirty-three percent of African Americans with diabetes also have heart disease. In both male and female diabetics, heart disease leading to a heart attack or stroke is the top cause of death. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than people without diabetes. Diabetes and heart disease also share the same risk factors, including obesity and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease) includes numerous conditions that affect the heart and is typically caused by a thinning of the arteries which can result in stroke, heart failure, and heart attack. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.

Health Promotion Classes - Diabetes education classes discuss diabetes prevention and management and are ideal for diabetics and pre-diabetics. Heart health classes discuss how to protect the heart and improve its functions. Both classes emphasize healthy eating and include cooking demonstrations and tastings. Classes are held throughout Montgomery County multiple days a week.
Diabetes Prevention Program - Modeled after the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), this structured lifestyle change program focuses on healthy eating and physical activity, targeting individuals diagnosed with prediabetes (borderline diabetes).
Self-management Counseling - An AAHP Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) provides one-on-one self-management counseling sessions with clients. During an initial consultation, the CDE discusses with the client his/her needs, knowledge about diabetes, and current treatment plan. The client and CDE then develop, implement, and evaluate an individualized plan of care.
Health Screenings - AAHP provides free health screenings for blood glucose, BMI (body mass index), weight, and provides custom referrals and guidance based on results. See our calendar for locations, dates and times or call 240-777-1833.

AAHP also disseminates information about diabetes and heart disease at events throughout Montgomery County such as walks, health fairs and presentations. See our Calendar for more information or call 240-777-1833.

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Leslyn, a participant in AAHP's Chronic Disease Management Program, talks about her experience attending classes and activities and how it has helped her achieve a healthier lifestyle:

Jamal Muhammed shares his experience with AAHP's Chronic Disease Management Program

"Because there is a history of diabetes in my family, I was not surprised when I was diagnosed with the disease. What surprised me was the amount of time, effort and knowledge needed to manage my condition. Thankfully, I found the perfect partner-AAHP. With their free health education classes and diet and exercise programs, I have found the support and programs I need to help monitor my condition-and live my life with confidence."

“But we are also each other’s best resource. Preventing type 2 diabetes and managing diabetes involves the entire family. Cook a balanced meal. Share a brisk walk. Talk with your family about your health and your family’s diabetes risk. Schools, work sites and places of worship can also be part of the diabetes prevention and management solution. What we can do alone to fight diabetes and its consequences, we can do so much more effectively together.”

–National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health

- A client

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