Health Issues That Disproportionately Affect Black Populations

Black people are known for many things. They are known for strength, tenacity, artistic expression, and athleticism.

Unfortunately, Black people are also known for being disproportionately affected by certain health issues.

Recognizing and increasing awareness of those issues are the first steps toward rectifying them.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects Black people at significantly higher rates than White people, with a higher disparity existing between Black women and White women.

One study suggested that this is primarily due to biological risk factors that all boil down to obesity. 

Sure, genetics has a role to play, which is one reason why it’s important to know your family medical history.

Excessive body weight leads to insulin resistance, leading to type 2 diabetes.

Cut back on salt, watch your sugar intake, and choose to bake, broil, or grill rather than fry food. Be physically active too, as this helps improve your insulin sensitivity.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer. It’s another health problem that disproportionately impacts Black populations.

High blood pressure can lead to heart failure, kidney disease, and strokes. Strokes increasingly affect younger Black people in the U.S. 

Unhealthy weight and diabetes increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

Eat a nutritious, balanced diet and stay physically active to maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

See your doctor regularly so you can get medicinal support to help control your blood pressure if needed.

Renal Disease

Your kidneys filter toxins from your blood and turn that waste into urine that you can eliminate.

Unfortunately, Black populations are more likely to suffer from kidney (or renal) disease. This is brought on partially by the higher risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure.

The comparative lack of access to quality medical care delays diagnosis and increases the severity at which Black populations experience renal disease.

Protect your kidneys by eating a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit salt, fat, and cholesterol consumption.

A spotlight was placed on health disparities between Black populations and White populations thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health issues were disproportionately impacting Black people long before that, however. Fixing the healthcare system so it offers better support to people of color isn’t going to happen overnight.

It’s going to take time and a lot of effort. In the meantime, take the steps you need to protect your health. You deserve it.

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