Diabetes and African Americans: Myths, Spirituality and More

aa_guide_coverConstance Brown-RiggsAfrican Americans are at especially high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In recognition of National Diabetes Month, I interviewed Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes. She is an award winning registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and  Huffington Post blogger.

Jill: You wrote a terrific book, The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes. Why did you write a book specifically for African Americans?

Constance: Despite the numbers of African Americans who have or are at risk for diabetes, there are very few books that address the health concerns that are unique to this population—and fewer still that are written by someone who shares the culture, history and health concerns of the readers. The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes was written specifically for African-Americans—a group that suffers disproportionately from diabetes. It speaks to the reader in a voice that is warm and familiar, but that holds a decided cultural and medical authority.

Jill: How does spirituality affect diabetes control?

Constance: Generally speaking African Americans tend to be a community of believers—and the spirituality that infuses their lives has an impact on how they feel about physical affliction, healing, and the relationship between faith and medicine. Individual beliefs have an overt or subtle influence on how one copes with diabetes. This is why each chapter in my book closes with a passage called “For Your Spirit,” an inspirational, encouraging message that brings home the connection between what’s going on in the body and what’s happening in the soul.

Jill: Let’s bust a couple myths about diabetes. What are a couple of your favorites?

Constance: I have a section in my book Myths, Mystery and Misinformation, where I discuss some of the myths about diabetes. Here are two of the most common myths.

Myth #1: If you love bread, potatoes and pasta, you’re out of luck. Carbs and starches are off-limits if you have diabetes.

Fact: Carbohydrates and starches are part of a healthy diet—even for people with diabetes. You have to control your portions, but you can enjoy a nice pasta salad or a few potatoes if you like.

Myth #2: If you have diabetes, you can expect to lose your sight and limbs eventually.

Fact: Having diabetes doesn’t mean you’re doomed to sightlessness or amputations. Keeping your diabetes under control can prevent the most serious complications.

Jill: Please share a diabetes-friendly, heart-healthy meal that you can put together quickly.

Constance: Here’s a quick meal idea for lunch or a light dinner.

1 cup Black-Eyed Pea and Mushroom Soup, 1 small roll, mixed green salad with vinaigrette, apple and a no calorie beverage

Follow Constance on Twitter and like her on Facebook.

 

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Jill Weisenberger

I'm Jill, and I believe simple changes in your mindset and health habits can bring life-changing rewards. And I don't believe in willpower. It's waaaay overrated. As a food-loving registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist and certified health and wellness coach, I've helped thousands of people solve their food and nutrition problems. If you're looking for a better way to master this whole healthy eating/healthy living thing or if you're trying to prevent or manage diabetes or heart problems, you'll find plenty of resources right here.

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3 Comments

  1. Cathy Heyward on November 17, 2016 at 6:41 am

    Jill,

    Thanks for sharing this with us on your blog. It is spot on! And so YOU! I love the myth busters, it gives peace of mind knowing that living healthy is not a futile effort. And the lunch idea – “black Eyed pea soup”? ! Wow! Now I’ve GOT to get the book!

    • Jill Weisenberger on November 17, 2016 at 8:39 am

      Wonderful! I know you and your family will love Constance’s book.

  2. mont blanc sale on September 4, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    Thanks for good article. Hope to see more soon.

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Welcome to my Blog

Hi there! I'm Jill, a nutrition & diabetes expert and the author of 4 books.

Jill Weisenberger

I believe simple changes in health habits can bring you life-changing rewards.

And I believe willpower is way overrated.

Right here is where you can discover the mindset and habits to stick with healthy lifestyle choices most of the time - and drop the guilt when you don't.

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