NCBW is concerned about the health of African-American women. The Wellness Center will include health issues that affect primarily women and African-Americans.  We will feature monthly health tips and articles focusing on current health issues.  We encourage you to check back regularly to learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This month we focus on Diabetes!

Have you or someone that you know or care about been recently diagnosed with Type II Diabetes? What are the very first emotions that you feel- fear, anger, denial and frustration? You are not alone – there is no need to panic. While diabetes is a serious disease, there are many people who have it and live long, happy and healthy lives. It is important to catch it early.  Before people develop Type II Diabetes they almost always have “pre-diabetes”-a blood glucose level that is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. If blood sugars are taken regularly with yearly physicals, these “pre-diabetic” levels can be detected and managed in order to delay or prevent Type II Diabetes from occurring. Studies have shown that people with undetected or un-managed “pre-diabetes can develop full blown Type II Diabetes within 5-10 years. How can we accomplish the management and control of this? 1.-Watch your diet (carbohydrates in particular).2.- Move your body (exercise), and start to take special care of your eyes and feet. Practice heart healthy techniques (watch cholesterol) and good oral health (frequent teeth cleanings).Take these pointers seriously and read, read, read. Knowledge is the tool to use in helping to fight  and  win against this potentially deadly disease!!