Diabetes in African American women: the silent epidemic

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder that affects an estimated 16 million Americans. Among African American women, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, with 1 in 4 black women 55 years and older having diabetes. It is only within the last decade that diabetes research has begun to examine racial differences in the etiology, treatment, and long-term complications of diabetes. This review bring together the research that focuses on African American women within the context of diabetes research in the general population. Particular emphasis is placed on diabetes risk factors, complications of diabetes, and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment approaches. Diabetes prevention and public health issues related to diabetes and the African American women are discussed. The literature reviewed points to the importance of screening and early detection of diabetes among high-risk African American women, as well as the need for improved quality of care and patient educational services and programs in diabetes appropriate to the needs of African American women.