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Beyond Barriers

Diabetes affects millions—but it doesn’t affect everyone equally.

Signs of Diabetes Black and Brown Communities Know Your Risk Resources Sponsors

Diabetes affects millions, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally.

Black and Brown communities face higher rates of type 2 diabetes and experience greater barriers to diagnosis and care. Type 1 diabetes is less common, but misdiagnosis and delayed treatment in these communities are far too frequent. While the overall number of T1D cases is rising across all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., the prevalence of the disease continues to be highest among non-Hispanic white populations..

Knowing the signs and getting tested can save your life, or the life of someone you love.

See The Signs

What are the warning signs of diabetes?

The four primary warning signs of type 1 diabetes are:

Frequent Urination
Increased Thirst
Exhaustion
Unexplained Weight Loss

If you #SeeTheSigns in yourself or anyone you know, see a health care provider right away and get a simple blood sugar check.

Impact of Diabetes in Black and Brown Communities

Diabetes disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities due to a combination of genetic, socioeconomic, and systemic factors. Limited access to healthcare, healthy foods, and culturally competent care contribute to higher prevalence and worse outcomes.

4.8 in 1000

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is 4.8 per 1,000 in non-Hispanic Black adults.

4 in 1000

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is 4.0 per 1,000 in Hispanic Black adults.

4x

In 2020, non-Hispanic Black adults were admitted to the hospital for challenges with type 2 diabetes management at nearly four times the rate of non-Hispanic White adults.

Nearly Double

12.1% of non-Hispanic Black adults and 11.7% of Hispanic adults have type 2 diabetes—nearly double the rate of non-Hispanic White adults (6.9%).

Diabetes Self Assessment Tool

This "Take Action: Know Your Risk" tool is a self-assessment questionnaire designed to help individuals evaluate their personal risk for diabetes. Its primary purpose is to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with diabetes, and to encourage early consultation with a healthcare professional for those who may be at moderate or high risk of diabetes.

Take the Test

Related Resources

Diabetes Management

Dr. Isaacs Answers Your Insulin, CGM + Misdiagnosis Questions

This year’s Type 2 Virtual Summit featured an informative community Q&A session with Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES. The session focused on addressing the most pressing questions from our community about life with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in...