"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, diet and exercise programs, and social dining clubs for others living with diabetes, I have found the support and programs I need to help monitor my condition-and live my life with confidence."

Diabetes. It's In Your Control.

Facts on Diabetes

  • Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. African Americans experience higher rates of at least four serious complications of diabetes: cardiovascular disease (heart problems), blindness, amputations, and end stage renal disease (kidney failure).
  • A staggering one-third of African Americans with diabetes do not know that they have it.
  • Every 21 seconds a person is diagnosed with diabetes. The number of people with this disease will double worldwide by 2020.
  • Most African Americans have Type 2 diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), which usually develops after age 40. A small number of African Americans have T1 or insulin-dependent-diabetes (IDDM), which usually develops before age 20.
  • Signs and symptoms of diabetes include extreme hunger, extreme thirst, excessive urination, dehydration, and unexplained weight loss.
  • Risk factors include a family history of diabetes; being age 45 or older; being overweight; having a certain ethnic background (especially African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Latino); having a blood pressure of 140/90 or higher; having elevated cholesterol; and leading a sedentary lifestyle (exercise less than three times a week).