African American Diabetes Association, Inc.

08/21/2026

https://sph.umd.edu/news/professor-appointed-maryland-wellmobile-advisory-board

Gov. Wes Moore has appointed Dr. Stephen B. Thomas, professor of health policy and management at UMD’s School of Public Health and director of the Maryland Center for Health Equity (M-CHE), to serve as a health expertise member of the Governor’s Wellmobile Program Advisory Board.

08/19/2026

Changing Our Health Legacy Starts With a Conversation 💙

Our families pass down so much, traditions, recipes, stories, values, and love. But when conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease run in our families, we also have an opportunity to change what gets passed down next.

Breaking generational health cycles doesn’t mean blaming the generations before us. It means learning together and making healthier choices together.

👧🏾 With children: Keep it simple. Teach them that taking care of their bodies is something to be proud of. Let them help choose fruits and vegetables, cook meals, and find fun ways to move.

👩🏾 With parents: Make it a partnership. Instead of saying, “You need to eat healthier,” try, “What’s one healthier change we can make together?”

👵🏾 With grandparents: Lead with respect. Our favorite family recipes and traditions don’t have to disappear. Talk about small adjustments that can protect their health while still honoring the foods and traditions they love.

💙 As a family: Talk about your health history. Know which conditions run in your family. Encourage regular checkups. Celebrate small wins. And remind each other that prevention and management are acts of love.

We may not be able to change our family’s health history, but together, we can help change our family’s health future.

Let’s build a legacy where the next generation inherits more than our traditions. Let’s help them inherit the knowledge and tools to live healthier lives.

What is ONE healthy habit you want your family to pass down to the next generation? Tell us below. 👇🏾

08/19/2026

It’s after midnight. You should probably be asleep, but somehow you’re standing in front of the refrigerator deciding whether you should reheat leftovers as a

08/19/2026

Here are 14 delicious breakfast ideas that are suitable for people with diabetes.

08/13/2026

Make Your Next Birthday More Meaningful

Instead of gifts this year, ask your friends and family to donate to a cause that affects our loved ones. Every dollar raised directly supports our programs in education, advocacy, and research focused on ending diabetes disparities in the African American community. Just follow these 5 quick steps to set up your AADA Birthday Fundraiser:

Start Your Fundraiser: Go to your Facebook newsfeed and click "Fundraisers" in the left menu (or search for "Fundraisers").

Select a Charity: Click "Raise Money for a Non-Profit."

Choose Us: In the search bar, type in and select "African American Diabetes Association." (Be sure to look for our official logo!)

Tell Your Story: Set your fundraising goal, and tell your friends why this cause matters to you. (You can also use the default description Facebook provides for us.)

Spread the Word: Click "Create" and then share your fundraiser on your timeline. Invite your friends personally to maximize your impact!

That's it! In less than five minutes, you can make a life-saving impact. Your birthday wish can help build a healthier future for all. Thank you for your support!

08/10/2026

💙 Knowledge is protection.

Managing your blood sugar isn’t only about getting a “good” number at your next appointment. Over time, keeping your blood sugar within the range recommended by your healthcare team can help protect some of your body’s most important organs, including your heart, kidneys, and eyes.

🫀 It can help lower your risk of heart and blood vessel complications.

🫘 It can help protect your kidneys from diabetes-related damage.

👁️ It can help protect the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and preserve your vision.

And remember: diabetes management doesn’t have to mean perfection. Small, consistent choices matter, taking medications as prescribed, staying active, choosing balanced meals, monitoring your numbers, and keeping up with regular doctor visits.

Every healthy choice you make today is an investment in your tomorrow. 💙

08/10/2026

We are thrilled to announce that the African American Diabetes Association is participating in this year’s AL NAS Temple # 255, National Community Health Initiative (NCHI) Walk/Run!

Join us as we lace up, step out, and move together toward better health, wellness, and diabetes awareness in our community. Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, your support makes a difference!

Location:
Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center
555 Alliance Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078

📅 Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Bring your family, bring your friends, and let's make every step count!

08/09/2026

💙 A new week is ahead, and here’s your reminder: your health doesn’t require perfection. It requires consistency.

Managing diabetes, lowering your risk, or simply trying to live a healthier life can sometimes feel like a long list of things you should be doing. But you don’t have to change everything by Monday morning.

This week, start small. 🌱

🥤 Choose water instead of a sugary drink once a day.
🚶🏾‍♀️ Take a 10–15 minute walk after a meal.
🥦 Add a vegetable to one more meal.
💊 Take your medications as prescribed.
🩺 Check your blood sugar as recommended by your healthcare team.
😴 Give yourself permission to prioritize rest.

Small choices may not feel life-changing in the moment, but repeated over time, they can become powerful habits.

As we head into a new week, ask yourself:

What is ONE thing I can do for my health this week?

Drop your goal in the comments. 👇🏾 Let’s encourage each other and start the week together.

You deserve to make your health a priority. 💙

08/06/2026

🛒 HOW TO SHOP THE PERIMETER: A Diabetes-Friendly Grocery Guide

Your next grocery trip can be a step toward better health, and you don’t have to break the bank to make diabetes-friendly choices! ❤️💚

So, what does “shopping the perimeter” actually mean? Start by walking the outer aisles of the grocery store, where many stores keep fresh and minimally processed foods. As you make your way around, look for:

🥦 Produce: Fill your cart with non-starchy vegetables and whole fruits. Fresh isn’t your only option, frozen vegetables and fruits without added sugar can be budget-friendly choices, too!

🍗 Protein: Look for options such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, or tofu.

🥛 Dairy: Choose options that work for your nutritional needs, paying attention to added sugars in products like flavored yogurt.

🌾 Whole grains & high-fiber foods: Some of these may be in the inner aisles! Look for oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain bread, beans, and other fiber-rich choices.

🏷️ Then head into the center aisles with a plan. Shopping the perimeter doesn’t mean avoiding the middle of the store. The inner aisles contain plenty of nutritious and affordable staples. Compare labels for total carbohydrates, added sugars, sodium, and fiber to help you choose what works best for you.

💰 Budget tip: Make a list before you shop, compare unit prices, consider store brands, buy produce in season, and don’t overlook frozen or canned options.

The goal isn’t a “perfect” cart, it’s making informed choices that fit your health, your household, and your budget. 💚

💬 What’s one diabetes-friendly staple that ALWAYS makes it into your cart?

📌 Save this post and bring it with you on your next grocery trip!

08/05/2026

Leadership in Action: Driving Impact in Colorado

Strong communities are built by leaders who show up, advocate, and create real space for change. A major shoutout to Tracye Osler and Michael Osler, Co-Founders of the "Hyper Local" AADA Colorado Chapter!

Through their dedicated co-leadership, Tracye and Michael have consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose, vision, and deep community roots. Their work at the hyper-local level isn't just about organizing, it’s about empowering individuals, fostering connection, and driving meaningful impact right where it matters most.

When passion meets grassroots commitment, real progress happens. Thank you, Tracye and Michael, for your inspiring leadership, dedication to advocacy, and continuous effort to elevate the Colorado community