Attendees at the first Diabetes Initiative meeting at the Global Eye Care offices.

Diabetes Initiative Assists & Informs

Workshops provide valuable information for prevention and management of diabetes

       By now, it is understood by a large percentage of Americans that diabetes has reached near-epidemic proportions. In particular, diabetes has struck the African-American and Hispanic communities much more broadly and more quickly than the rest of the population. In America today:

• Approximately 11 percent of all African-Americans have diabetes.
• An estimated 10 percent to 20 percent Hispanic- Americans have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a serious health problem among Latinos.

       To help combat this alarming trend, Global Eye Care has established the Diabetes Initiative, a grass-roots organization to help stem the tide of this crippling disease.
       Dr. Ifeoma Ezekwo, founder of the Diabetes Initiative, has a clear mission for the group. “We want to create awareness and give ethnically sensitive information to make the minority communities take action to protect their health. We know, for example, that many cases of diabetes are preventable.”
        At the meetings, current health information is handed out, talks are given on specific prevention and management tips, and participants are encouraged to share information and advice. “The meetings last about an hour,” said Dr. Ezekwo. “We talk specifically about the eyes, feet, kidneys and other affected organs, plus basic diabetic care. Refreshments are served at each meeting, and everyone in attendance receives a door prize.”

Risk Factors Increase the Chance of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

This meeting attendee leaves with two ‘goodie bags,’ our way of thanking attendees for participating.

       For Type 1 diabetes, there is an immune reaction in that the body develops antibodies against the cells of the pancreas. These antibodies damage cells that produce insulin, making the introduction of insulin necessary for treatment.
       Type 2 diabetes is genetically determined and tends to run in families. Therefore, those with a family history of Type 2 diabetes may possess this gene that makes them prone to developing the disease later in life.
       Modern research has shown that the Type 2 diabetes gene can sometimes lay dormant until it is unmasked by factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and improper diet. The good news is that this new awareness can help at-risk individuals to effectively prevent development of diabetes by increasing their activity and maintaining a healthy diet.
       Dr. Ezekwo described the elements of an unhealthy lifestyle that could contribute to diabetes in African-Americans; elements that apply to the Hispanic population, as well. “The consumption of certain foods must be reduced or eliminated. For example, excessive carbohydrates and fried foods must be avoided. Then, of course, there is sugar. But it’s more than just what you eat, it’s also what you do. Kids playing video games instead of playing outside contributes to the problem. Plus, we have a lot of people who are eating while they watch television. Research has shown that if the diabetes gene is present, that sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet will unmask it. But a healthy lifestyle will not unmask the gene.”
       The Diabetes Initiative meets in the New York City once a month, and all people of all ages are encouraged to attend. Response to the Diabetes Initiative has been overwhelming. In fact, the group must now move to a larger facility to accommodate the higher number of attendees. “Once we move,” said Dr. Ezekwo, “we will be able to add the services of a dietitian who can give specific advice to people with specific needs or circumstances.”
       To learn more about the Diabetes Initiative or to make a contribution to help curb diabetes on a local level, call (718) 733-5730.

Participation in the first Diabetes Initiative meeting was excellent. These attendees gained valuable insight to help reduce their diabetes risk.