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Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination

Racial and Ethnic Minority Tennesseans and Diabetes

Diabetes, sometimes referred to as “sugar” or “sugar diabetes,” is a chronic condition in many racial and ethnic minority communities. It is estimated that two million African-Americans have diabetes. The rate of diabetes in racial and ethnic communities is nearly double the rate of white Americans. More so, many African-Americans, Hispanics and other minority groups are unaware they have the condition until they develop a life-threatening complication, like heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Fears about insulin or limb amputation too often prevent many minorities from seeking care.

Featured Facts

Facts about diabetes in Tennessee:
  • In 2002 the Tennessee diabetes death rate of 30.2 per 100,000 was ranked 10th highest in the nation. The risk for Tennesseans dying from diabetes in 2002 was 19% higher than the national average.i
  • In 2004 the age-adjusted diabetes death rate for black Tennesseans (61.1 per 100,000) was over twice the rate for whites (27.8 per 100,000).ii

Factors that may lead to diabetes:

  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Prior history of gestational diabetes (diabetes when pregnant)
  • Impaired glucose tolerance

Suggestions to prevent and control diabetes:

  • Regular visits with a health care provider.
  • Increased, regular physical activity.
  • A balanced diet, low and fat and sugar and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables.

i. The Kaiser Family Foundation: www.statehealthfacts.org (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1999-2002 mortality data).

ii. Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Policy, Planning and Assessment, Division of Health Statistics.

Diabetes Prevention and Education Services

The Tennessee Department of Health is committed to the prevention of and education about diabetes. The Department has a number of services that work with communities and families to support the prevention and effective treatment of diabetes. Below is a list and description of services offered through the Department or your local county health department.

Diabetes Control: The Diabetes Control Program seeks to reduce the burden of diabetes in Tennessee by use of strategies that focus on community interventions, health communications and health care systems changes. The Diabetes Advisory Council, composed of representatives from private health care, public health, non-profit agencies and consumer groups, provides technical assistance. A significant accomplishment of the Council was the development of a diabetes medical record, which is being used by health care professionals and insurers throughout Tennessee and other states as a tool to assist in quality diabetes management.

Health Education: Regional and local health departments across Tennessee employ health educators and other staff who work with communities to develop programs to prevent and reduce complications associated with diabetes. Some programs include diabetes patient education, worksite wellness efforts, Walk Across Tennessee, (an eight-week walking/exercise program) and Dining with Diabetes (a series of three classes offered to people with diabetes focused on healthful food choices and cooking techniques).

For more information, call your local health department or (615) 741-0380.