Diabetes Type 2

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Christine Jeffries

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Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Risks and Treaments

By EmpowHER November 4, 2011 - 7:37am
 
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Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition involving unhealthy blood sugar levels which can cause damage to the eyes, feet, heart, kidneys, mouth, nerves and skin. In severe cases the long-term consequences of these high blood sugar levels can be fatal.

The body's ability to make and/or use insulin adequately is impaired. This means that the blood sugar produced from eating is not metabolized properly. Making ongoing changes to the diet along with other foundational lifestyle changes are essential to prevent further physical deterioration over time.

Of African-American women age 20 or older, 12 percent have type 2 diabetes, and the rate only accelerates as their ages increase. Of all cases of type 2 diabetes in the United States, 15 percent are African-American women.

This is further impacted by the fact that African-American women also tend to be in danger of becoming overweight or obese.

http://www.empowher.com/diabetes-type-2/content/type-2-diabetes-and-afri...

 
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We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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