In honor of November's designation as Diabetes Awareness Month, the Delta Research and Educational Foundation's 'Research Matters' health initiative mentor and ambassador for CCC held a Research Accelerates Possibilities (R.A.P.) session yesterday afternoon. Partnering with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the National Council of Negro Women, DREF's health initiative goes by the full name 'Research Matters: Creating Possibilities to Achieve Health and Wellness for All of Us.'

The collaboration upholds the objective of extending the opportunity for enrollment in the National Institutes of Health to African Americans.

A participating institution alongside 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country, Coahoma Community College brings awareness to diabetes with Dr. Melvin Newson serving as one of the program's campus advisors and Lyn Moore, a freshman studying art, one of its select student ambassadors. The interactive sessions, held through the Zoom video-conferencing platform, are designed to encourage HBCU communities to have meaningful conversations leading to lifestyle, environmental, and health improvement.

Participating institutions include Alcorn State University, Bennett College, Coppin State University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Lincoln University, North Carolina A&T State University, Saint Augustine University, Savannah State University, Texas Southern University, Tougaloo College, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Winston Salem State University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

Moore, who already has it in her plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design after graduating, lectured attendees on the three types of diabetes—type 1, type 2, and gestational. She informed that biological risk factors including weight and fat around the abdomen are among the primary reasons for higher rates of diabetes in Black Americans as compared with White Americans.

Seeking to provide knowledge on the topic, Moore explained that type 1 diabetes can't be cured or prevented while type 2 diabetes can be overcome with lifestyle modifications. Both types develop due to a lack of insulin generated.

"What they both have in common is that they can cause serious health issues and complications," Moore explained.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.

"High glucose levels in the mother's blood enter the baby through the placenta. The baby's pancreas makes more insulin to handle the excess glucose. Gestational diabetes affects the mother in late pregnancy after the baby's body is fully formed," she continued, providing rich insight into problematic results that occur. This particular type can bring about breathing problems and obesity in the child’s adult years.

To close out the chat, audience members' understanding of the prevalent health issue was tested through a challenging game of Kahoot where gift cards, wristbands, and t-shirts were up for grabs.

Obtain additional details on the DREF Research Matters for All of Us efforts at www.joinallofus.org/DREF.