Medical Teams Turn To Lifestyle Centered Care To Help Black Patients Stay Ahead Of Disease

On Monday, June 28, 2025, Leibo Glover, a security expert residing in Los Angeles, recounted his experience following a below-the-knee amputation due to diabetes. Diagnosed in 2018, Glover had initially considered his condition minor, self-treating a toe injury without understanding its seriousness. During a family drive to Miami, an infection prompted urgent medical attention. “I didn’t realize the risk; I could have returned home in a coffin,” he reflected. Research from the UCLA Center for Health Policy shows that 3.5 million Californians battle diabetes, primarily preventable Type 2. Low-income individuals face a higher risk, with stark disparities evident in amputation rates. Reflecting on his journey, Glover now embraces healthier habits, crediting lifestyle modifications for improved well-being. At Bloom Ranch, the largest Black-owned farm in L.A. County, Dr. Bill Releford advocates for community wellness through accessible nutrition. He highlights how preventative measures can combat the chronic illnesses disproportionately affecting African Americans, emphasizing, “Amputations can largely be avoided.”