Diabetes
Compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately impacted by diabetes. Approximately 13.2% of all African Americans aged 20 years or older have diagnosed diabetes, and African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites
86 million Americans are prediabetic, and are therefore at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 8 million out of the 30 million children and adults in the United States who have Type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have it.
With so many Americans of color at risk for diabetes, it’s critical that people know their risk and take action to prevent this disease. By assessing our risk for developing diabetes and making efforts to promote a more active and healthy lifestyle, we can decrease incidents. The Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust is committed to advancing research and funding to combat diabetes, and will engage communities to raise awareness about this disease.