During African American History Month in February, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is raising awareness about the increased risk of diabetes and kidney disease in African Americans, and the importance of lifestyle changes to prevent or manage these health issues. Diabetes is high blood sugar and is because, over time, it can damage a patient's heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.
An estimated 4.9 million - 18.7 percent - 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.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure among African Americans. One way to manage diabetes, kidney disease or other chronic health problems is to join an NKFM Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) workshop. Offered at no cost to participants, the workshops provide skills and tools for living healthier lives
to people with long-term health problems and their loved ones. A PATH workshop is coming up in Garden City in March at the Maplewood Senior Center, 31735 Maplewood in Garden City.
Workshops are set for 10 a.m.
until 12:30 p.m. March 2, 9, 16, 23 and April 6. To register, call Danielle Willems at Maplewood, (734) 793-1870, or email daniellew@gardencitymi.org.
To find additional PATH programs, visit mihealthyprograms.org.
Those who may have a chronic
disease but do not see a doctor because they do not have health care coverage can apply for health care coverage, including Medicaid, through the local Department of Health and Human Services office. Applications are also accepted online at www.mibridges.michigan.gov or by phone at 1-855-789-5610.
For more information about the prevention or management of diabetes and kidney disease, visit www.nkfm.org or call 1- 800-482-1455.
