APAs at High Risk for Diabetes
June 24, 2005
According to studies conducted by the National Diabetes Education Program — part of the National Institutes of Health — the prevalence of type-II diabetes is on the rise in Asian Pacific American (APA) communities.
“They [Asian Americans] are twice as likely as Caucasians to develop the disease,” said Dr. William Hsu of the Joslin Diabetes Center’s Joslin Clinic in Boston.
In order to combat these alarmingly high rates and disparities, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) announced the launch of the Asian Pacific American Diabetes Action Council (APADAC), which will aid in improving the management and prevention of diabetes within APA communities. The APADAC group consists of many experts in health management, health professionals, legislators, community leaders and health industry representatives.
“Those of us that work with Asian American[s] and Pacific Islander[s] know that the disease has had a devastating impact,” said Jeffrey B. Caballero, APADAC member and executive director of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations. “This council can help reverse the effects of this disease on our communities, and improve health outcomes for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living with or at risk for diabetes.”
APADAC will also work toward providing expert input and analysis on how diabetes affects APAs. In order to prevent the spread of the disease and help those already with diabetes, the council will review materials and recommend policies that would address language and culturally sensitive programs.
“All of us … understand the importance of reaching out to the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to address issues related to diabetes,” said Dr. Edward Chow, chair of APADAC and executive director of the Chinese Community Health Care Association in San Francisco. “In coming months we will seek to determine the most effective ways to effectively detect, manage, and control diabetes in our community.”
Although there is no known cure, diabetes patients undergo treatment and management to ensure that they are still able to be productive. While the root cause of diabetes is a mystery, factors such as genetics, environmental factors and diet do play a large role in development of the disease. Cookbook author Nina Simonds said, “Asians have changed their diet by eating more meat, instead of fruits and vegetables, and more processed and fast foods.” APADAC will be able to further aid APAs who have been coping with devastating disease but have been unable to access resources efficiently.
“The Asian Pacific American Diabetes Action Council will play a key role in educating Asian Americans and Pacific [Islanders] about diabetes risk factors and how to properly manage the disease,” said Fiona Ma, a San Francisco Supervisor and APADAC member.
For more information, call 1-800-DIABETES or visit www.diabetes.org.
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