Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems that the African American community faces today. Compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes. To address this growing epidemic, the American Diabetes Association created a targeted approach called African American Initiatives. The initiative is designed to increase awareness of the rates of diabetes among African Americans, provide information about the seriousness of diabetes and its complications, teach the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices, and educate those with or at risk for developing diabetes about prevention, treatment, and management.

African American Initiatives develop culturally appropriate materials and community-based activities that empower, educate and create measurable differences in the prevalence of diabetes and its complications among people of African descent. The vision of the initiative is a healthier community living free from diabetes and it's complications. The