ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing alarming rates of diabetes and heart disease among minorities, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) are highlighting the need for widespread awareness and education about diabetes and its complications during February, which is American Heart Month. Since February is also Black History Month, it is the perfect time for people with diabetes -- especially minorities -- to focus on their cultural heritage as well as their health.
Statistics show minorities are at increased risk for diabetes and other complications. African Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes than Non-Hispanic Whites, while Native Americans are 2.2 times more likely and Latinos, 1.5. All adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than their peers without diabetes, and have the same cardiovascular risk as if they have already had a heart attack.
"We are seeing a disturbing trend of diabetes and heart related complications among racial and ethnic populations, a problem we need to address promptly and directly," said James Galloway, M.D., F.A.C.C., Director, Native American Cardiology Program, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Flagstaff, AZ. "All people with diabetes can reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke by making small lifestyle changes. The ADA and the ACC have ample resources to help people with diabetes achieve their health goals."
The ADA and the ACC recommend that people with diabetes work closely with their health care provider to manage the "ABCs of Diabetes":
* A: A1C, the test that measures average blood sugar over the past 3
months, should be less than 7, and checked at least twice a year.
* B: Blood pressure should be below 130/80, and measured at every visit.
* C: Cholesterol (LDL or "bad") should be below 100, and checked once a
year.
People with diabetes can manage the ABCs of diabetes with wise food choices, physical activity and prescribed medications. Losing weight can also help to keep the ABCs on track and prevent heart disease. It is important for people with diabetes to work with their health care provider to determine what steps they can take to reach their ABC goals and to make sure their diabetes care plan is working. To help in this effort, the ADA and the ACC have created a free resource called "Choose to Live: Your Diabetes Survival Guide" which features self management tools for tracking key measures and goals, meal planning tips and practical advice for managing all aspects of diabetes care.
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities.
The American College of Cardiology, a 30,000-member nonprofit professional medical society and teaching institution, is the leading organization dedicated to being an advocate for quality cardiovascular care-through education, research promotion, development and application of standards and guidelines-and to influencing health care policy.
The ADA and the ACC have created a free resource for people with diabetes called "Choose to Live: Your Diabetes Survival Guide" which features self management tools for tracking key measures and goals, meal planning tips and practical advice for managing all aspects of diabetes care. To learn more or to receive patient and educational materials on the Make the Link! initiative, like the new Survival Guide, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org/makethelink.
American Diabetes Association; American College of CardiologyCONTACT: Diane Tuncer of American Diabetes Association, +1-703-299-5510;or Christine Feheley of American College of Cardiology, +1-301-581-3425
Web site: http://www.diabetes.org/makethelink