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.