Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a lifelong disease marked by high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Glucose is a type of sugar that everyone needs for energy. People with diabetes cannot properly convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy because their bodies cannot make or use insulin-a key hormone in this process. 25 percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes. One in four African American women over 55 has diabetes. Approximately 2.7 million or 11.4 percent of all African Americans aged 20 or older have diabetes. Blacks are 1.8 percent more likely than non Hispanic whites to have diabetes. This represents a significant health disparity in our community. The African American Health Program's mission is to help to eliminate health disparities in the Black population of Montgomery County, Md. The AAHP provides information and support to help people live with this serious disease.