COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES AMONG LOW-INCOME AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is epidemic among African-American women in the United States; reports of its prevalence among African Americans range from 50% to 60% higher than among whites. African Americans also incur higher rates of diabetes-related complications such as blindness, end-stage renal disease, and amputations. Data indicate that non-insulin-dependent diabetes among African Americans is associated with lower socioeconomic status and with obesity. Because obesity has been hypothesized as contributing to the growing numbers of non-insulin-dependent diabetics among African-American women, new strategies are urgently needed to promote weight loss in this population. Community organization can broaden health education and facilitate behavior change toward development of life- and self-mastery skills. Specific strategies of this approach include (1) integrating community values into health messages, (2) facilitating neighborhood "ownership" and decision-making, (3) utilizing existing formal and informal networks, and (4) empowering individuals and community. Community organization may be a promising strategy among low-income minority communities to reduce the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes by promoting changes in dietary patterns, because it ensures that the health messages and programs that emerge will be consistent with existing sociocultural norms and beliefs.