Diabetes

You can get diabetes if your body does not use insulin right. Insulin is what is in your body that changes the sugars in food into energy. Type 1 diabetes happens when your body destroys its own cells that make insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin. Diabetes affects women of all ages. Overall, African Americans are twice as likely to have diabetes than Whites.

A growing number of children are getting type 2 diabetes. Children have a greater chance of getting type 2 diabetes if they are overweight or if a family member has it. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in African American children under 20 years old.

People with diabetes have a higher chance of having problems with their skin, mouth, kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and feet. African Americans experience higher rates of at least three of diabetes' most serious complications: eye disease, amputation and kidney failure. Although type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to prevent and control type 2 diabetes:

• See your health care providers regularly. Don't forget about the dentist and eye doctor!
• Don't smoke.
• Control your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, your blood pressure, and your weight.
• Exercise (30 minutes most days of the week is best).
• Check your feet everyday for blisters, red spots, swelling, or cuts.
• Stay aware of how you feel-if you notice a problem, call your health care provider right away.