Minorities with Diabetes at Risk forHeart Disease, StrokeExperts Available to Discuss Risks, Offer Tips on Healthy Changes
WHAT: Recognizing alarming rates of diabetes and heart disease among minorities, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) are highlighting the need for widespread awareness and education about diabetes and its complications during February, which is American Heart Month.
Since February is also Black History Month, it is the perfect time for people with diabetes " especially minorities " to focus on their cultural heritage as well as their health. Statistics show minorities are at increased risk for diabetes and other complications. African Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes than Non-Hispanic Whites, while Native Americans are 2.2 times more likely and Latinos, 1.5. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than their peers without diabetes, and have the same cardiovascular risk as if they have already had a heart attack. To help people with diabetes understand important components of care, the ADA and ACC recommend following the "ABCs of Diabetes," which include proper management of A1C (blood sugar), blood pressure and cholesterol. The ADA and the ACC are part of a joint patient education initiative called Make the Link! Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke.
WHO: Experts from American Diabetes Association and American College of Cardiology are available to discuss the increased risk for minorities of diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and provide helpful information on reducing those risks.
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