December 14, 2014 - BRONX, NY - The Montefiore Clinical Diabetes Center, part of the clinical arm of the Montefiore Einstein Division of Endocrinology & Diabetes, coordinated and hosted an extensive schedule of events to raise awareness about the consequences and management of diabetes as part of American Diabetes Month, November 2014.
Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, and the Bronx is disproportionately affected. Diagnosed diabetes costs the United States an estimated $245 billion annually. "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 Dr. Joel Zonszein, director of the Clinical Diabetes Program (Einstein Campus).
Joel Zonszein, MDThis year’s theme, "Focus on Prevention of Diabetes and Obesity," centered on stopping diabetes before it starts. Montefiore’s month-long program of activities at inpatient and outpatient locations throughout the Bronx educateed patients, associates and the community about how to reduce the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes and help people with Type 1 diabetes lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Events, all of which were free of charge, included healthy eating demonstrations, interactive diabetes prevention workshops, and educational talks.
Early in the month, Montefiore's second annual Halloween Candy Exchange invited children with diabetes to bring the candy they gathered on Halloween to exchange for prizes like toys and gift cards. The children wore their Halloween costumes and took part in games, giveaways and activities while also gathering educational information about how to live with and manage diabetes.
Demonstrations and information tables at different Montefiore sites throughout the month focused on exercise, sugar-free beverages, healthy snacks, and portion control.
Rita J. Louard, MDBeyond the Bronx, Dr. Rita Louard, director of the Clinical Diabetes Program (Moses Campus) co-hosted a #HealthTalk Twitter Chat on strategies to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes.
"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," said Dr. Louard.
"The advice and guidance we shared 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," said Dr. Zonszein.