April is National Minority Health Month!
Tarrant Nephrology Associates recognizes this national health observance, along with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, by educating communities on how to manage and prevent diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney failure and disproportionately affects several minority groups.
Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, the risk of diagnosed diabetes is:
•18% higher among Asian Americans
•66% higher among Hispanics/Latinos
•77% higher among non-Hispanic blacks
Kidney failure can be prevented or delayed with proper control and management of diabetes. It’s important to take steps to prevent diabetes if you are at risk and to manage your health if you have diabetes to reduce your chances of developing kidney disease.
For individuals with diabetes, there are a few steps that should be taken to avoid complications. By managing your diabetes ABCs (A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol), you can prevent or delay the onset of kidney disease. This includes keeping your blood sugar low, with an A1C blood value of 7% or lower; managing your blood pressure keeping it at 120/80 or less; and keeping your cholesterol under 200mg/dl. For those with diabetes and those at risk for diabetes alike, it’s also important to maintain a normal weight and to exercise on a regular basis, and stop smoking.
For more information, see Diabetes and Kidney Disease.
