Diabetes introduction: a message from Dr. James R. Gavin III: Chair of the African American Program for the American Diabetes Association - Special Section - Brief Article

Ebony, March, 2002 by James R. Gavin, III

WE are three months into 2002 and I have to ask: How are your New ar s resolutions going? Remember when midnight hit and you celebrated by promising to lose those extra pounds? You said that this year would be THE year. Again. Well, it's March. Has the Today Show replaced your early-morning walk? What about that kick-boxing class you eagerly embraced way back in January--has it been kicked to the curb by reruns of The West Wing?

For most of us, making resolutions are easy, but sticking to them, well, that's another thing entirely. It's easy to fall back into old habits, even when you know they are harmful to your health. However, starting today, I challenge you to dust off the promises you made to yourself and recommit to improving your health and changing your life. Take Calvin C. Walker Jr., for example, the Colorado man who watched his weight balloon to more than 250 pounds and saw his diabetes spiral out of control. Read the story on Page 132 to find out how he resolved to transform himself--and did!

As an African American, Walker's struggle with diabetes is not unique; he is merely one of the millions of African Americans who have this life-threatening condition. Chances are that this epidemic has not skipped your family. In this year's special section, find out why diabetes is so common in African Americans and learn which factors have contributed to its rise. Also, take a look at the "Most Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetes" and discover some of the truths about this disease that may surprise you. Feeling tired? Thirsty? These are two warning signs of diabetes. If you haven't already taken the Diabetes Risk Test, please do so and pass it along to your friends or loved ones.

The reality is that millions of African Americans have diabetes and don't even know it. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, the section titled "Coping with Diabetes" may provide you with new tips and strategies for dealing with diabetes and holding steadfast to your goals. Seven years ago, EBONY formed a partnership with the American Diabetes Association to bring information about diabetes directly into your homes. This year, as in the past, we'd like to ask you to do three things. First, take a moment to order the free diabetes packet created especially for EBONY readers. It's filled with recipes, a coupon for one of our cookbooks (which is filled with suggestions for cooking healthy, low-fat meals and ideas for modifying the size of your portions) and a variety of information about this disease. Next, stay up-to-date on information about diabetes by sending an e-mail to www.diabetes.org/ada/emaillist.asp to receive a free subscription to the Association's electronic newsletter. And finally, if the New Year's resolution you made to improve your health has lapsed, recommit yourself and take one small step each day toward your goal.

For more information about the African American Program or to find out how you or your organization can get involved, please call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit us online at www.diabetes.org.

Dr. James R. Gavin III, chair of the African American Program of the American Diabetes Association, served as president of the association form 1993 to 1994. He received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Emory University in 1970 and his M.D. from Duke University in 1975.