ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, February 6, 1996 TAG: 9602060089
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: Associated Press
Black Americans appear to have a genetic predisposition to diabetes that may be triggered by obesity or other health habits - but simple lifestyle changes could lower the risk, diabetes experts said Monday.
``This is a problem we can beat, and it's time to begin,'' said Dr. James Gavin as he unveiled the American Diabetes Association's African-American Program.
The $500,000 education campaign will cover how to prevent and control diabetes, a disease where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use the hormone properly.
Insulin carries sugar from digested food into cells. Without it, sugar overloads the bloodstream before being excreted, thus depleting the patient's main energy source.
Black Americans are twice as likely as whites to get diabetes. At least 3 million blacks have it, although many more are thought to be undiagnosed. Black women are particularly vulnerable - one in four over age 55 has diabetes. And black diabetics suffer more complications than whites with the disease.
LENGTH: Short : 32 linesby CNB