Living With Diabetes

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The disease affects an estimated 18.2 million people, 5.2 million are unaware they have the disease and an additional 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Diabetes is greater in minority populations over age 20: 8.4%million Whites, 11.4% million Blacks, 8.2 Hispanics. Heart disease is the leading cause of deaths among people living with diabetes. Preventive practices such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, eye examination ad annual checkups can prevent or delay the incidence of diabetes related complications. A study conducted by Carol R. Williams Oladele and Elizabeth Barnett utilized the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to examine racial/ethnic disparities in recommended practices for diabetes. The study results suggested that health education and promotion targeted toward minority populations have been effective. The study recommends future research to examine the influence types of insurance have on the access to laboratory preventive care practices. Reference: Barnett E, Oladele C R. (2006). Racial/ethnic and social class differences in preventive care practices among persons with diabetes. BMC Public Health. http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/6599_pnt