D-Ethnicity
Diabetes and Ethnicity
In this day of political correctness, race can be a difficult topic to discuss and much easier to ignore. Instead of trying to find out how similar we are, I prefer to value our differences. Similarities are nice to point out to gain friendships but its is our diferences that make each ethnicity group unique and full of wonder. I prefer to capitalize on learning about what make each a little different from the other. When people are scared they ignore race or they use the cliche, ” Everybody does it.” This may be true but there is always something unique about how one group will fancy something different than another. There is nothing wrong in talking about matters that may affect a racial group. There is nothing to admit your knowledge base is not as strong on a racial topic. Learning is the key and will ultimately set you free.
Race and genetics are a major factor when discussing healthcare, economic disparity and chronic diseases. It is a fact that certain ethnic groups are more susceptible to various health conditions for many reasons. Diabetes is one of those conditions were your race or ethnic origin may be a factor in its development. There is a plethora of articles on the subject. Most notably coming from India and China where the number of Type 2 cases per year is staggering. The average person in either of these countries has a much healthier diet than people in the western hemisphere. The idea that diabetes is just a disease of obesity is not true. Heredity is a factor.
Ethnicity may determine if you will receive adequate information for a chronic disease. Your environment may determine if you have any clinics or hospitals available to even treatment common ailments. It may also determine if you have access to neighborhood grocery stores have to shop at the local convenient store for expired foods.
How my fellow online diabetics can quickly ignore the plight of minority diabetics is truly an anomaly. I find that most online diabetics like to paint all topics of diabetes with a broad sweeping brush to avoid the disparities in race and lower income folks. Most minority diabetic are Type 2 diabetics. Most online diabetics are Type 1. I cannot ignore people who need my help because I choose not to understand them and their plight. Being a member of a minority community, I personally see how my community it is treated by the economy, city politics and the health care system. I can only image how other non Caucasian communities are surviving in current economic situation.
It is very important that people of ethnicity become health advocates and educate themselves about diabetes. Unfortunately, studies have shown that many doctors are not as aggressive about making sure their minority patients maintain good blood sugar control and avoid the complications of diabetes. The problems can stem from language barriers and non-ethnically sensitive prevention and treatment policies. Don’t be afraid to speak up. If your blood sugar is not under control, ask your doctor what else you need to be doing, whether you need medication or more lifestyle changes. You may also have to push for additional diabetes health services, such as cholesterol screening, eye exams, foot exams, locating a diabetic educator, speaking with a dietician and pneumococcal vaccinations. Most of these places are overwhelmed with patients or too underfunded. The internet is a valuable tool in learning about your condition and to know if you are receiving proper treatment.
Studies have repeatedly shown that the key to stemming the flow of global diabetes is early prevention, education and awareness. It is the responsibility of every nation’s healthcare system to recognize the ethnic minorities most at risk and develop culturally appropriate treatment programs for them.
