While diabetes can affect our overall well-being, its impact is rarely talked about in our communities. Learn about the early warning signs and resources that may help.
Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. When you eat, your body breaks food down into sugar (glucose), which enters your bloodstream. Normally, your pancreas makes insulin to help your cells absorb that sugar.
But with diabetes, either your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly—causing blood sugar to build up over time.
There are different types of diabetes:
Sometimes, diabetes doesn’t cause symptoms right away. That’s why so many people go undiagnosed. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
Even if you feel fine, getting screened is key—especially if diabetes runs in your family or if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms.
Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.
Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for high blood pressure:
Diabetes isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition—and neither is managing it. With the right mix of support, lifestyle changes, and (when needed) medication, many people thrive while living with diabetes.
Small changes can lead to big wins when it comes to diabetes. These lifestyle shifts can help lower your blood sugar and protect your heart, kidneys, and nerves.
Many people with diabetes need medication—and that’s okay. The right treatment plan can prevent serious complications and help you feel your best:
Ongoing care helps you stay ahead of potential problems. Regular check-ins help you and your care team catch changes early.
Diabetes isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition—and neither is managing it. With the right mix of support, lifestyle changes, and (when needed) medication, many people thrive while living with diabetes.
Common types of blood pressure medications include:
Small changes can lead to big wins when it comes to diabetes. These lifestyle shifts can help lower your blood sugar and protect your heart, kidneys, and nerves.
Many people with diabetes need medication—and that’s okay. The right treatment plan can prevent serious complications and help you feel your best:
Ongoing care helps you stay ahead of potential problems. Regular check-ins help you and your care team catch changes early.
We read the online discourse on diabetes and found that our community is looking for:
Black individuals are disproportionately affected by diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes, which occurs at higher rates in this population than in other racial or ethnic groups.
Research also indicates that Black individuals are more likely to develop severe insulin-deficient diabetes, a subtype of Type 2 diabetes that requires intensive treatment.
Many Black people experience delayed diagnoses and inadequate communication with healthcare providers, which can significantly impact their ability to manage diabetes.
Some report that doctors dismiss or downplay their symptoms, leading to late-stage diagnosis when the disease has already progressed.
Diabetes education remains a significant gap in many communities, with limited awareness about risk factors, symptoms, and available treatments.
Many individuals are unaware of early warning signs such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Even after a diagnosis, treatment equity is a major gap. Many Black people report being prescribed medications that cause unpleasant side effects—like fatigue, brain fog, and dizziness—without alternatives being offered. These symptoms are often dismissed as “normal” or “not that bad,” discouraging people from staying on treatment.
Many people with diabetes live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.
Real people share how they manage their diagnosis—and stay encouraged.
Yes, diabetes affects your kidneys, too! Make sure you’re aware of how to protect this vital organ.
Take this quiz to assess your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Many people with diabetes live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.
