Upcoming EventsStarting in January, this evidence-based diabetes education program will give participants the knowledge, skills and support to confidently manage diabetes.
Nyack, N.Y., December 4, 2024 – According to the CDC, 38 million Americans—about 1 in 5 have diabetes and don’t even know it. Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled.
In Rockland, the prevalence of diabetes is at 8.1%, and the reason for 12.9% of all deaths. To help our community members with diabetes, Montefiore Nyack Hospital will offer free-of-charge Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) classes for adults 18 or older. Classes will be available online via Zoom or by phone on Tuesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The evening class will be in both English and Spanish. Participants meet once a week for four weeks with a Certified Diabetes Educator from the Hospital’s Community Health and Wellness Department to learn how to eat balanced meals, move more, check blood sugars safely, and learn more about diabetes medications, including insulin and injectable medicines.
The program covers the three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant). Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes; type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5% to 10%. Gestational diabetes affects 6-9% of pregnant women. Usually, it resolves after birth, although women who had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Other complications include wounds and amputations, kidney disease and loss of eyesight or blindness.
DSMES, also called diabetes education, can improve diabetes control, prevent or delay diabetes complications, increase the likelihood of getting preventive health care, reduce hospitalizations and health care costs, increase confidence in self-care behaviors, and improve healthy coping and quality of life. Developed in partnership with the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES), Montefiore Nyack Hospital’s DSMES Program is recognized by the ADCES Diabetes Education Accreditation Program.
To register for Montefiore Nyack’s Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program, please call 845-348-2004 for more information.
