At BlackBarbershop.org, we’ve seen firsthand how diabetes disproportionately affects Black men and women—often without clear information about its causes, warning signs, and prevention strategies. Through our community health screenings in Black barbershops nationwide, we’ve helped individuals who had no idea they were living with prediabetes or full-blown Type 2 diabetes until they faced serious complications like vision loss, nerve damage, or kidney disease.
Diabetes isn’t just one condition—it comes in multiple forms, each with different causes and risk factors. Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder, Type 2 is heavily influenced by diet, lifestyle, and genetics, and diabetes insipidus affects fluid balance, not blood sugar. In this guide, we’ll break down the causes of each type, the unique risks Black adults face, and the role food plays in prevention and management—so you can take control of your health before complications arise.
One primary factor is an autoimmune response where the body's defense mechanism wrongly targets its cells. This immune system turns against insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, annihilating them.
Genetic factors have a significant impact on this autoimmune response. Environmental factors, such as viral infections also impact its onset.
Insulin resistance is the focus of this condition. It develops when cells when the body resist insulin's effects, a hormone that moves sugar from your bloodstream into cells for energy utilization.
Genes also play a significant part in this condition. Studies suggest certain genes heighten the risk of developing this disease, more so when combined with lifestyle factors like unhealthy eating habits and sedentary behavior.
This rare condition differs from more common forms of diabetes in that it stems from the body's failure to regulate water levels. Its main triggers involve the pituitary gland or kidneys.
For central diabetes insipidus, disruption to the pituitary gland is the possible culprit. Factors such as surgery, tumor growth, or severe head injury may impair the production, storage, and discharge of vasopressin.
Contrastingly, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus arises due to the kidneys' inadequate response to vaping. Medications, like lithium, genetic disorders, or kidney disease are potential triggers.
Factors such as dietary glycemic load have a significant impact on an individual's risk of developing this enduring ailment. Consuming foods with a high dietary glycemic load, abundant in simple sugars, escalates your risk.
Ingestion of foods abundant in refined carbohydrates and sugars greatly influences insulin sensitivity. Such a diet induces weight gain, leading to obesity – conditions associated closely with the disease’s development.
Identifying specific dietary elements that potentially trigger this condition is crucial, given the established correlation between diet and this metabolic disorder. Excessive sugar consumption, particularly from sweet beverages and processed meals, is a primary instigator.
Refined grains, loaded with carbohydrates, contribute significantly to the illness. Fats, especially unhealthy types such as trans fats, and saturated fats, contribute to the disease as well. Their consumption elevates inflammation levels, encourages insulin resistance, and thus, fosters the development of the illness.
"At BlackBarbershop.org, we’ve seen how diabetes silently affects Black men and women, often going undetected until serious complications arise. Through our barbershop health screenings, we’ve met individuals who had no idea their fatigue, frequent thirst, or blurred vision were signs of diabetes. The reality is, Type 2 diabetes isn’t just about sugar—it’s about long-term dietary habits, genetic predisposition, and systemic health disparities that put our community at higher risk. By providing culturally relevant education and early detection resources, we’re empowering Black adults to recognize the warning signs, make informed lifestyle changes, and take control of their health before diabetes takes control of them."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes poses a major health concern, affecting millions worldwide. In the United States, 29.7 million people, or 8.9% of the population, had a diagnosed case in 2021.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cited that diet plays a critical role in type 2 diabetes. Eating too much added sugar, saturated and trans fats, and sodium increases the risk while consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy lowers it.
Moreover, the NIH emphasized that lifestyle choices strongly affect diabetes risk. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight help prevent type 2 diabetes. Research shows that adopting healthy habits greatly reduces the risk.
There are an array of aspects that impact your risk of this condition. Problems with kidneys or pituitary glands often result in diabetes insipidus. Certain foods increase your risk. At BlackBarbershop.org, we believe that comprehending its risk factors and regulating diet is vital for prevention and control.
The main cause of diabetes is the body's inability to produce enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it produces. This results in high blood sugar levels, which can lead to the development of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The exact reason why this happens is still not completely understood, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The main food that contributes to diabetes is not a single item, but rather a diet high in processed and sugary foods. Consuming these types of foods regularly can lead to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The first signs of being diabetic often include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, constant hunger, blurry vision, and fatigue. It's important to consult a doctor if you're experiencing these symptoms, as early detection and treatment can prevent more serious complications.
Diabetics should avoid consuming sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices with added sugar, and energy drinks. These drinks can cause blood sugar levels to spike and can also contribute to weight gain.
The number one contributor to diabetes is being overweight or obese. Extra weight, particularly in the belly area, can cause insulin resistance, thus increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Stress can indirectly cause diabetes. Chronic stress can lead to behaviors like poor diet and lack of exercise, which increase the risk of diabetes. Plus, stress hormones can affect your body's insulin production or usage.
To prevent diabetes, maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and see your doctor for regular check-ups. Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake.
A deficiency in vitamin D is linked to a higher risk for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It's believed that this vitamin helps the body use glucose and insulin.
Foods to eat for diabetes include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts. These foods can help control blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.
Diabetes can be hereditary. If you have a parent or sibling with diabetes, your risk of developing the condition is higher. However, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise also play a significant role.
The best diabetes treatment typically involves a combination of medication, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. The goal is to keep blood sugar levels within a target range and prevent complications.
