The Prevalence of Potentially Modifiable Type II Diabetic Risk Factors Among Elderly African-Americans.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of potentially modifiable obesity-related risk factors (RF) in African-American college students ages 18-25. A voluntary convenience sample of students [N=20; Males (M) n=4, 64 ± 5.5 yrs.; Females (F) n=16, 74 ± 9.8 yrs] was taken from a historically minority university. Data for the following variables were collected during two testing sessions:; blood pressure (BP), body composition using] skinfold (SK) and girth measurements ‘including waist circumference (WAIST)]; and, the following health behavior questionnaires Twelve subjects had elevated BP. Mean values for percent body fat (%BF) were 43.9% and 39.8% for women and men respectively. WAIST [102 and 104 cm for men and women, respectively] were indicative of increased risk for heart disease. Of the twenty participants nearly all had one of more RF for NIDDM, suggesting the need for further investigation of, and more diligent screening for NIDDM in this population.