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.

• Chronic Disease Management 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.
• dMeetings - a comprehensive course on diabetes management that gives participants the support of AAHP’s diabetes team at their convenience. 
• 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. In addition to health screenings at Diabetes/Heart Health classes and AAHP special events, AAHP also provides health screenings in the community at churches, barbershops, post offices, residential complexes, and other such locations as well as locations by request.

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.