Type 2 Diabetes Prevention in African American Women, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Research studies reveal that, while there is a 90-95% incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among African Americans the women prevalence ratio is very much higher, which creates immense public health concern (Palmer, Boggs & Krishnan, 2008)   Consequently, this project aims at creating an understanding of this incidence along with developing prophylactic measures to address the prevalence through reducing occurrences in this high risk group.

Background

Food identity along with  drinking sugar sweetened beverages have been identified predisposing factors to development of type 2 diabetes among African America women. Precisely, researchers conclude that eating is a ritual. Therefore, culturally certain foods high in carbohydrate content are consumed in large portions, daily (Liburd, 2003) (Palmer et.al, 2008).

Disclosure of problem

Subsequent studies reveal that besides African American women predisposition towards developing type 2 diabetes, they are at a very high risk to complications that sequel the disease. This is in relation to whites; Hispanics and non-white Hispanics. Therefore, in attempting to prevent type 2 diabetes among African American women, measures must be taken also to prevent complications where the dysfunction is evident (Palmer et.al, 2008).

Proposed health promotion Interventions

Studies have shown where trying to change diets and food has negative impacts in health promotion prophylactic strategies for African American women. Already, the market is festered with diets that encourage weight reduction. As such, a diabetes type 2 health promotion project cannot be executed with finite results in on year neither five. Further research shows where Hispanics and whites who are obese and use as much sweet drinks do not develop diabetes. Then what about American women genetic composition that has to be discovered to effect a comprehensive prevention project.

It should entail a four – 6 month comparative study evaluating the genetic differences between African American women and those of other ethnic groups. The results should then be used for designing a project specific to preventing type 2 diabetes in African American women.

Expected outcomes

A model paradigm will be developed to specifically address preventing type 2 diabetes in African American women.

Conclusion/Evaluation

There will be a monthly assessment during the comparative study phase. The program designed based on study assessment results will be evaluated six monthly for five years.

References

Liburd, L. (2003). Food, Identity, and African-American Women with Type 2 Diabetes: An Anthropological Perspective. Diabetes Spectrum, 16(3), 160-165

Palmer, J.  Boggs, D., & Krishnan, S.(2008). Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in African American Women. Arch Intern Med. 168(14): 1487–1492.