During African American History Month in February, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is raising awareness about the increased risk of diabetes and kidney disease in African Americans, and the importance of lifestyle changes to prevent or manage these conditions. Type 2 diabetes, meaning that blood sugar is too high, is the leading cause of kidney failure among African Americans. An estimated 4.9 million — 18.7% — of all non-Hispanic Blacks age 20 and older have diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. Additionally, African Americans with unmanaged diabetes are four times more likely to suffer serious complications, such as blindness, kidney failure and blood vessel damage resulting in amputations.
Research shows that despite the increased risk of diabetes and kidney disease in African Americans, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), which the NKFM offers online. If you have prediabetes or concerns about developing type 2 diabetes, this nationally-recognized, CDC-certified lifestyle change program can help reduce the risk, delay the onset or even prevent diabetes. In a virtual DPP workshop, you are part of a small, supportive group and attend the program from the comfort of your own home or wherever you can access a computer, a tablet or a smartphone.
For more information, RSVP at ReadySetPrevent.org for one of the free information sessions below:
6 p.m. Wednesday, February 3
5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4
11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9
5:30 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 17
6 p.m. Monday Feb. 22
5:30 p.m. Monday Feb. 23
11 a.m. Monday, March 3
New DPPs will start on various days and times. The workshops can be covered by insurers, various funders or scholarships. Please call the NKFM at 800-482-1455 if you cannot attend an information session so we can explore other options.
If you are living with a chronic disease such as kidney disease or type 2 diabetes, consider taking a Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) workshop. NKFM offers PATH online at no cost to participants. Each workshop features a facilitator working with a group to explore skills and tools to help people with specific health issues and their loved ones lead healthier lives. The online PATH workshops are open to all adult residents in Michigan. No transportation needed!
Access any of the following PATH workshops with an internet connection on a computer, tablet or smartphone:
Kidney PATH – for those living with kidney disease and their loved ones
1-3 p.m. Wednesdays
Information Session – 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, February 17
New participants can join up through Wednesday, March 3, 2021.
Eight sessions total: February 24; March 3 to 24; April 7 & 14
To register, contact Ascension at 248-849-5752.
Diabetes PATH – for those living with type 2 diabetes and their loved ones
6-8 p. Wednesdays
Information Session – 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 3
Six sessions total: February 10 to 24; March 3 to 17, 2021
New participants can join up through Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
To register, visit http://classes.beaumont.org or call 800-633-7377.
Diabetes PATH
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday
Information Session – 10 a.m.-12 p.m.Thursday, February 18
Six sessions total: February 25; March 4 to 25; April 1, 2021
New participants can join up through Thursday, March 4, 2021.
To register, visit http://classes.beaumont.org or call 800-633-7377.
If you do not use electronic devices, self-directed learning is available, including a no-cost toolkit mailed to you and, if interested, live phone support with a small group. For more information, call 800-482-1455.
To find additional PATH programs, visit nkfm.org/PATH or mihealthyprograms.org.
For more information about the prevention or management of diabetes and kidney disease, please visit www.nkfm.org or call 800-482-1455.
