Clinical Diabetes Center Prevention and Wellness

The Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center is committed to helping people with diabetes live full, healthy lives. We offer an acclaimed diabetes self-management education program in English and Spanish that can be customized to fit your schedule. The Proactive Managed Information System for Education in Diabetes (PROMISED©) program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for exemplary performance.

For more information and to see if you qualify for the program, please call: 718-920-7247. You may need a referral from your primary care physician.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

By making lifestyle changes now, you may be able to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Understanding the following risk factors is an important first step.

You're more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are overweight or obese.
• Have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes.
• Are of African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino heritage.
• Have high blood pressure (measuring 140/90 mm Hg or above).
• Have abnormal cholesterol; your HDL ("good") cholesterol level is 35 or lower, or your triglyceride level is 250 or higher.
• Exercise fewer than three times a week.
• Have had gestational diabetes (i.e., developed diabetes while pregnant) or gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
• Are 45 years of age or older

Reducing Your Risk

The Diabetes Prevention Program, a multicenter study of 3,234 people nationwide at high risk for diabetes, showed that people can delay the onset of the disease and possibly prevent it by losing a small amount of weight (5 to 7 percent of total body weight), exercising for 30 minutes five days a week and by eating a healthier diet.

Here are some simple steps you can start taking today to lower your chances of getting type 2 diabetes:

• Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Talk with your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your cholesterol levels and/or blood pressure.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit your intake of fat, sugar and sodium.

Living Well with Diabetes

Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes can't be prevented. But if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can reduce your risk of developing serious complications by:

• Taking your medications and monitoring your blood glucose level as directed by your doctor.
• Checking your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year.
• Getting your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly.
• Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.