Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Trials: What Black People Need to Know

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic autoimmune disease that impairs the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin.  Insulin is crucial for enabling sugar (also known as glucose) to enter cells and create energy in the body. Factors like genetics and certain viruses are believed to contribute to the development of Type 1 diabetes. Although it typically manifests in childhood or adolescence, it can also occur in adults. Despite extensive research, there is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes yet. Treatment focuses on regulating blood sugar levels through insulin therapy, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle management to minimize the risk of complications. The Minority Health Institute reported that Black American adults were 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.  This statistic stems from various factors such as Black and Brown communities having an abundance of fast food or unhealthy food options in their neighborhoods, other issues including, shortage of finances to afford healthier food options, not exercising regularly, and lack of education on overall health.  While Black Americans have a lower rate of experiencing Type 1 diabetes, they often experience more difficulties once diagnosed.  Diabetic retinopathy affects African Americans...