What's Killing our African-American Sisters? Pt. 2

Diabetes Type II - Type 2 diabetes — the most common type of diabetes — is one of the biggest health challenges facing African-Americans, and especially African-American women. 

One in 4 African-American women older than 55 has diabetes. African-Americans also have high rates of at least two of diabetes' most serious complications: amputation (of a toe/foot) and kidney failure. You can't control some risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as age, race, or family history. But you can prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes by taking these steps:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Calculate your BMI to check your body weight.
• Eat low-fat, well-balanced meals.
• Make physical activity a habit. Do the following each week:
• 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or
• 1 1/2 hours  of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or
• A combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity and
• Muscle-strengthening activities on 2-3 days aweek.

You could have type 2 diabetes and not know it. Type 2 diabetes sometimes has no warning signs. Talk to your doctor about your family history. Get your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels checked regularly. If you find out you have diabetes, take steps to manage the disease and live a full and active life.

Making healthy eating and physical activity a regular part of your family life also will help to lower your loved ones' risk of diabetes. courtesy of www.womenshealth.gov