Five Ways to Overcome Health Disparities in Diabetes

Millions of Americans have diabetes. Although Type 2 diabetes is preventable and reversible, it continues to negatively impact African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian communities. How many of you have immediate family members diagnosed with diabetes or “the sugar” as it is sometimes referred to in African American Communities? As you prepare to gather around the table for Thanksgiving, imagine your favorite Uncle who makes everyone laugh, your Auntie who makes the best mac and cheese, or your Grandma who makes the best sweet potato pie suffering or dying from diabetes-related complications. Are you headed in the same direction because of your lifestyle choices and don’t know it?

Before you consider logging off this post, I want you to know this is not a post to scare you, but a post to encourage you or someone you know to take control and educate themselves on how to obtain the best health outcomes while living with diabetes.

Health Disparities are a direct result of poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, and environmental resources. It is a harsh reality that ethnic minorities are more likely to suffer as a result of these burdens. I may not be able to change what community you live in or directly improve your access to adequate healthcare, but I hope to equip you with the knowledge to ask the right questions and request the right medications, labs, and follow up care to increase your chance for optimal care while living with diabetes.

How to Overcome Health Disparities:

1. Self-education: Continue to read books, journal articles, listen to a podcast, and read a blog post to learn more about diabetes. Remind yourself, no question is a dumb question. Never stop finding time to learn how to manage your blood sugar levels and find what works best for you. Hire a wellness coach; use the resources available to answer any question you have. Remind yourself that you are responsible for your health.

2. Healthy lifestyle choices: Wellness starts with you. Create a health routine and stay consistent. Take it one day at a time. Take advantage of nutrition education and get moving.

3. Select the right provider: Find a provider that makes you feel comfortable and who listens to your concerns.

4. Identify risk factors: Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to suffer from mortality, renal disease, heart disease, amputation, and blindness.

5. Request appropriate labs and follow up: Individuals with diabetes should request the following:

· A1c (Glycated hemoglobin) every three months, complete daily blood sugar readings at home.

· Annual lipid profile.

· Annual ophthalmologic (eye) examination.

· Annual diabetic foot exam by your provider, daily exam at home.

We know health disparities are an unfortunate reality, but that does not mean that we cannot overcome them. By taking intentional steps to fight this disease, we can improve and preserve the lives of those we love most. So as you prepare for Thanksgiving with your family, don’t miss the opportunity to discuss your family health history and to share the tips you have learned. As always I encourage you to Make Wellness Your Best Accessory!

Your Sister in Wellness,

Lauren