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Minority Health Disparities : Type II Diabetes

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Minority Health Disparities: Type II Diabetes in African Americans

Shelby Peterson
HLTH 236 – 501
Jeff Guidry
Texas A&M University
April 14, 2015
Executive Summary Type II Diabetes in African Americans is a major health disparity that is growing every day and needs to be understood more. According to the American Diabetes Association, African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites (American Diabetes Association). Why is that? Scientist have been extensively trying to answer this question with various studies and experiments. Though it is not yet fully understood, small achievements have been made and answers are constantly being searched for. Testing and early diagnosis, primary prevention, access to care for everyone and improving that quality of care will make a difference in the number of casualties and people being affected in the African American community.
Description
Type II diabetes is a mixture of both genetic and environmental factors. It is a metabolic disorder that affects the way the body processes blood sugar due to the fact that the body cannot produce enough insulin. The victim often feels fatigued and thirsty that leads to frequent urination. Obesity is believed to be the primary cause of Type II diabetes to those who are genetically predisposed. Based on the American Diabetes Association, non-Hispanic blacks are second in being diagnosed with diabetes with 13.2%. Type II diabetes can come with many effects

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