News: Diabetes

Asian American/Pacific Islander Diabetes Risk

September 29, 2004

The Office of Minority Health press release described that research studies have demonstrated greater risk for diabetes in members of Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. An increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes has been associated with being overweight. The article emphasized that decreasing body weight by a "small amount" can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.(1)

This article featured the National Diabetes Education Program's launch of a new health awareness campaign called "Two Reasons I Find Time to Prevent Diabetes". The Two Reasons program is part of the NDEP campaign "Small Steps. Big Rewards: Prevent Type 2 Diabetes". The Two Reasons program specifically targets Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This program emphasizes finding out their risk for Type II diabetes and acting to prevent it.(1)

To read the full article click here

The NDEP "Small Steps, Big Rewards: Prevent Type 2 Diabetes" is a diabetes health education campaign geared towards increased testing and tips to effectively prevent Type II diabetes. In addition to targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the Small Steps awareness campaign has educational materials targeting African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino populations. These materials are available in several languages to reach more people.(2)

For more details on the NDEP program to prevent diabetes Click Here

Sources:

1. "Millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at Increased Risk for Type 2 Diabetes", September 29, 2004, Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

2. National Diabetes Educational Program (September 30, 2004)