November is American Diabetes Month -- at Montefiore Medical Center, clinicians have coordinated a robust schedule of events to raise awareness about the consequences and management of this often-preventable disease. This year’s theme at Montefiore, “Focus on Prevention of Diabetes and Obesity,” centers on the importance of stopping diabetes before it starts. With that in mind, Montefiore’s planned events concentrate on healthy eating habits, exercise, and other small steps to prevent diabetes. In addition, Montefiore is sponsoring a Halloween candy exchange designed to engage children in the diabetes conversation. Please click here to access Montefiore’s webpage on Diabetes Month, and click here for a full calendar of events. 

Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The Bronx is disproportionately affected by the condition and its associated complications. Montefiore’s month-long program of activities will educate patients, associates and the community-at-large about efforts to reduce the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes and help people with Type 1 lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is usually diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, is linked to dietary and lifestyle factors and is often associated with obesity. 

“Diabetes has taken a heavy toll on the Bronx. We want our patients and neighbors to know that diabetes prevention is by far the best medicine – but if you have diabetes, the disease can be managed effectively through healthy eating, exercise, and medication,” said Rita J. Louard, M.D., director, Clinical Diabetes Program-Moses Campus, Montefiore Medical Center, and associate professor of clinical medicine, Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. “Montefiore is a leading provider of diabetes care and we are passionate about teaching people how to manage the condition or, preferably, to prevent it in the first place.” 

“By some estimates, nearly one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take action now to prevent new cases of the disease,” said Joel Zonszein, M.D., director, Clinical Diabetes Program-Einstein Campus, Montefiore, and professor of clinical medicine, Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Einstein. “Montefiore’s continuum of care for diabetes patients is a model for the nation and includes our Diabetes Center of Excellence, Clinical Diabetes Center, Care Management Organization, and Medicare Accountable Care Organization, which work together to engage the community and promote wellness. The advice and guidance we share during American Diabetes Month should help our patients and neighbors make lasting changes that can prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and help people with Type 1 stay as healthy as possible.” 

Diabetes disables the body’s ability to produce insulin. This leads to elevated glucose levels in the blood and most patients require medications to regulate the condition. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and blindness; it is linked to high rates of heart disease and stroke and people with the disease have a higher rate of limb amputations. It is estimated that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.

Montefiore’s Diabetes Month program offers events including healthy eating demonstrations, interactive diabetes prevention workshops and educational talks. Patients, community members, and Montefiore associates are invited to participate in all events free-of-charge. Below is a sample of events; the complete calendar is available here. 

• Kickoff Event: Salud en la Comunidad (Nov. 1, 10am-5pm, Hostos Community College) – In conjunction with Univision, Montefiore will hold an all-day kickoff event at Hostos Community College.  The event will include diabetes workshops, health screenings, food demonstrations, health education, and live entertainment.
   
• Halloween Candy Exchange (Nov. 3, 3.30-6 pm, Lobby of The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore – RSVP required) – The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore is hosting a candy exchange where kids with diabetes are invited to bring the candy they gathered on Halloween and exchange it for gifts. The kids can wear their Halloween costumes and enjoy games, giveaways and activities while also gathering educational information about how to live with and manage diabetes.
   
• Small Steps in Preventing Diabetes (Nov. 13, 6pm, Aisling Irish Community Center; Nov. 19, 10am, Bronx Health Link) – This interactive workshop invites community members to learn the basics about diabetes and how to prevent the onset of Type 2 disease. Participants will learn about diabetes risk factors and complications, share healthy eating tips and weight-loss advice, as well as discuss how to incorporate exercise into one’s daily routine.

Follow @MontefioreNYC for more information about educational Twitter chats, Montefiore events and general diabetes facts and tips. Additional information also will be available on Montefiore’s Facebook and YouTube pages.