A Systematic Review On Factors Contributing To The Increase ✓ Solved

A Systematic Review On Factors Contributing To The Increased Rate

A Systematic Review on Factors Contributing to the Increased Rate of Type 2 Diabetes in African Americans.

Diabetes is a growing pandemic, especially in the African American community due to diet practices, genetics, and familial dining traditions, disparities in diabetic maintenance/management, and regular doctor appointments. Contributing factors range from individual and group practices that jeopardize health among the African American community.

Systematic literature searches through PubMed, Walden University Library, and the Saint James School of Medicine Library resources, as well as other reliable and scholarly research, were conducted to analyze and display accurate information on Type 2 Diabetes in the African American community.

Research was carried out on over 24 scholarly articles sourced from credible databases including the World Health Organization and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Seven articles encapsulated the key findings and aspects discussed in this paper.

Management of diabetes presents numerous challenges, especially when it comes to lifestyle changes. Eating healthier foods and maintaining a routine of regular exercise is exceedingly difficult for many diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Effective management entails long-term monitoring and early intervention for potential complications, as well as ongoing observation of blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Evidence indicates that adherence rates to dietary and exercise regimens are lower than those for medication, with studies revealing participation rates of less than 65% for diet and less than 20% for exercise (Karen, 2016).

African Americans are statistically more susceptible to developing diabetes than their European counterparts. This alarming dissimilarity has prompted national concern. Healthy People 2020 acknowledges that there is a significant health disparity among African Americans diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). By 2050, predictions suggest a substantial increase in T2DM prevalence within this demographic, with African Americans facing worse outcomes, being twice as likely to endure diabetes-related visual impairment, amputations, and mental health issues (Ard, 2020).

Key strategies to mitigate this public health issue include increasing awareness and prevention, focusing not just on treatment but also on understanding risk factors associated with T2DM. Major risk factors include obesity, hypertension, and family history. Individuals with a first-degree relative with T2DM face a 2-3 times higher likelihood of developing the condition compared to those without such a family history.

Beyond genetics, the environment remains a critical element contributing to the rising incidence of T2DM among African Americans. Studies show a significant correlation between neighborhood characteristics—such as walkability, air quality, and access to healthy foods—and diabetes prevalence. Communities with high pollution and limited physical exercise opportunities present significant obstacles to diabetes prevention efforts (Dendup et al., 2018).

Moreover, biological, neighborhood, psychosocial, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk factors significantly contribute to the rates of diabetes within this population. Research from the National Institute of Health indicates that biological factors, such as body mass index and waist circumference, contribute heavily to health disparities, although neighborhood and economic factors also play a substantial role (Hicklin, 2018).

The challenges of Type 2 Diabetes management in the African American community are exacerbated by various barriers that prevent effective treatment adherence. Addressing these barriers necessitates a community-based approach, which emphasizes culturally sensitive health interventions that resonate with the African American population.

Finally, programs aimed at promoting health literacy, increasing diabetes awareness, and providing accessible resources can significantly improve self-care behavior among African American individuals living with diabetes. Educational initiatives and tailored interventions that consider the unique challenges faced by this community are essential for reducing the incidence and impact of Type 2 Diabetes.

Paper For Above Instructions

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels. The increasing prevalence of T2DM, particularly among African Americans, is a contemporary public health crisis that is multifactorial in nature. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to develop diabetes than Caucasians, which is a reflection of social, economic, and biological disparities (CDC, 2020). This paper systematically reviews factors contributing to the surge in T2DM within the African American community, focusing on dietary habits, genetic predisposition, socio-economic status, and environmental factors.

Dietary practices significantly influence the development of T2DM. Traditional Southern diets, which are often rich in fats and sugars, alongside the high consumption of processed foods, contribute to obesity—a primary risk factor for diabetes (Fitzpatrick et al., 2016). Moreover, cultural factors that prioritize familial dining practices may inadvertently promote calorie-dense eating patterns, which negatively affect metabolic health. A study by Asif et al. (2014) emphasizes the critical need for dietary modifications in the prevention and management of diabetes, advocating for increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Genetic predisposition also plays a pivotal role in the diabetes disparity faced by the African American community. Research indicates that individuals with a family history of T2DM are at an increased risk of developing the disease due to inherited traits that affect insulin response and glucose metabolism (Oloikoba et al., 2012). Studies suggest that African Americans, who are genetically more predisposed to obesity and insulin resistance, face significant barriers to achieving glycemic control (Lascar et al., 2018).

Socio-economic factors further exacerbate the plight of African Americans in managing diabetes. Access to healthcare is often limited due to economic constraints, resulting in less frequent healthcare visits and inadequate health education about diabetes management (Mitigating the Burden of Type 2 Diabetes, 2015). The National Diabetes Statistic Report (2020) underscores that lower socio-economic status correlates with higher rates of diabetes prevalence and complications, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to improve healthcare access.

Environmental factors, including neighborhood characteristics, significantly affect lifestyle choices that are conducive to maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. According to a systematic review by Dendup et al. (2018), greater neighborhood walkability and access to recreational areas are associated with lower risk of diabetes, whereas areas with high air pollution and limited access to healthy foods correlate with increased diabetes risk. The walkability of an environment not only encourages physical activity but also provides access to healthier food options, consequently impacting diabetic health outcomes.

The stigma associated with diabetes within the African American community complicates treatment adherence. Misconceptions about the disease, limited health literacy, and cultural attitudes toward medical care hinder self-management efforts and diabetes education (Bains & Egede, 2011). Programs that incorporate cultural beliefs and practices can help empower individuals to take charge of their health and adhere to treatment regimens.

To combat the alarming increase in T2DM among African Americans, a comprehensive strategy involving community education, policy changes, and healthcare system improvements is critical. Community-based interventions that focus on lifestyle modifications, enhance health literacy, and address the social determinants of health are essential in lowering the incidence of T2DM in this demographic (Williams et al., 2014). These interventions should also leverage local resources, including churches and community organizations, to enhance reach and impact.

In conclusion, the rising rates of Type 2 Diabetes among African Americans are the result of complex interactions between dietary habits, genetic predisposition, socio-economic factors, and environmental conditions. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach that includes targeted interventions, community engagement, and increased awareness of diabetes risk factors. By fostering a better understanding of diabetes and improving access to healthcare, it is possible to effect meaningful change in the health outcomes of African Americans living with diabetes.

References

• Abdulfatai B. Olokoba, Olusegun A. Obateru. (2012). Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A review of Current Trends. NCBI. doi:10.5001/omj.2012.68
• Ard, D., Tettey, N. S., & Feresu, S. (2020). The Influence of Family History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Positive Health Behavior Changes among African Americans. International journal of chronic diseases.
• Asif M. (2014). The prevention and control of type-2 diabetes by changing lifestyle and dietary patterns. Journal of education and health promotion, 3, 1.
• Dendup, T., Feng, X., Clingan, S., & Astell-Burt, T. (2018). Environmental Risk Factors for Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(1), 78.
• CDC. (2020). National Diabetes Statistics Report. American Diabetes Association.
• Fitzpatrick, S. L., Golden, S. H., Stewart, K., Sutherland, J., DeGross, S., Brown, T., Wang, N. Y., Allen, J., Cooper, L. A., & Hill-Briggs, F. (2016). Effect of DECIDE Program Delivery Modalities on Clinical and Behavioral Outcomes in Urban African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial. Diabetes care, 39(12), 2149–2157.
• Hicklin, T. (2018). Factors contributing to higher incidence of diabetes for black Americans. NIH Research Matters.
• Lascar, N., Brown, J., Pattison, H., Barnett, A. H., Bailey, C. J., & Bellary, S. (2018). Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 6(1), 69-80.
• Mitigating the Burden of Type 2 Diabetes: Challenges and Opportunities. (2015). American health & drug benefits, 8(2 Suppl 1), S3–S11.
• Williams, I. C., Utz, S. W., Hinton, I., Yan, G., Jones, R., & Reid, K. (2014). Enhancing diabetes self-care among rural African Americans with diabetes: results of a two-year culturally tailored intervention. The Diabetes educator, 40(2), 231–239.