You can get diabetes if your body does not use insulin right. Insulin in your body 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.

Publications

1. Diabetes in African Americans - This information sheet examines diabetes in African Americans.

2. Diabetes Risk Test (Copyright © American Diabetes Association) - This tool is an interactive test that can help you determine your risk for diabetes.

Organizations

1. American Diabetes Association: The African American Program

2. American Heart Association

3. Black Women's Health Online

4. Division of Diabetes Translation, NCCDPHP, CDC, OPHS, HHS

5. National Diabetes Education Program

6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, HHS