(Chelsea Update would like to thank Joyce Williams for the information in this story.)
During African American History Month in February, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is raising awareness about the increased incidence of diabetes and kidney disease in African Americans, and the importance of lifestyle changes to manage these health issues.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease among African Americans. For African American adults with diabetes, it’s important that they take care of their health to prevent kidney failure or damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes and nerves.
An estimated 4.9 million — 18.7% — of all non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older have diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. Minority youth are also affected; type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes in non-Hispanic blacks ages 10 to 19.
Additionally, African Americans with unmanaged diabetes are four times more likely to suffer serious diabetes-related complications, such as blindness, kidney failure and blood vessel damage resulting in amputations. In 2017, African Americans were twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to die from diabetes.
Research shows that despite the increased risk of diabetes and kidney disease in African Americans, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through the national Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
The NKFM is offering the DPP next month in Chelsea at the Chelsea Wellness Center, 14800 E Old US-12.
Information Session: Monday, March 2 from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.; first session: Monday, March 16, from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Medicare Parts B and C cover DPP for its members who qualify. Funds may be available to pay for the workshop if you meet eligibility requirements. To be considered for the class, please attend the information session on March 2 or the first session on March 9.
RSVP by visiting www.ReadySetPrevent.org or calling the NKFM at 800-482-1455. Contact us if you are unable to attend either session and we will review other options with you.
The evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program is a CDC-certified, yearlong program designed for adults of any age with prediabetes or at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Participants will learn to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. DPP workshops, led by trained lifestyle coaches, include 16 weekly one-hour group sessions followed by eight monthly sessions.
Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together, participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
People with prediabetes often have no symptoms. To find out if you have prediabetes or if you are at risk for it, you can:
- take the risk test at www.ReadySetPrevent.org. The risk test will also be provided at the information session.
- call the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan at 800-482-1455.
- ask your doctor to tell you if you are at risk for diabetes.
To RSVP or for more information, visit www.ReadySetPrevent.org or call 800-482-1455.
For more information about the prevention or management of diabetes and kidney disease, please visit www.nkfm.org or call 800-482-1455.
