American Diabetes Alert Day

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

American Diabetes Alert Day is observed each year on the fourth Tuesday in March. The observance was created by the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and highlight the importance of understanding your risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, the CDC reports that, “More than 40 million Americans have diabetes, and more than 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have it.”

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels are too high. This happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to help regulate the amount of sugar that enters the body’s cells. As a result, excess sugar accumulates in the bloodstream.

If diabetes is not managed properly or is left untreated, it can lead to complications and increase the risk of serious health problems. Diabetes complications include:

Damage to the nerves in the body
Kidney problems
Skin problems
Bladder problems
Eye diseases that can lead to blindness
Gum disease
Foot complications that can lead to limb loss
Cardiovascular disease, potentially increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, or stroke

Some people are more at risk of developing diabetes than others. You may have an increased risk if you:

Are overweight or obese
Are physically inactive
Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Have a parent or sibling with diabetes
Have ever had gestational diabetes
Are age 45 and older
Are a Hispanic or Latino, African American, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. (The CDC states that some Pacific Islander and Asian American people also have a higher risk.)

Diabetes Alert Day serves as a “wake up call” to pay attention to these risk factors and properly manage your health. If you are at risk of developing diabetes, you should speak with your doctor about ways to improve your health and lower the chances of complications occurring. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Type 2 diabetes has long been identified as an incurable chronic disease based on traditional means of treatment. However, losing weight and making other lifestyle changes may help manage diabetes and prevent long-term health complications.

Having excess weight or obesity is the leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Almost 90% of the 37 million Americans with Type 2 diabetes are classified as having excess weight or obesity. If you have excess weight, your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is about 2.4 times higher than those at a healthy weight. For those with obesity, the risk is about six times higher.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is directly linked to excess body weight and lack of physical activity. Nearly half of new diabetes cases in the United States each year are caused by obesity.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar or glucose levels. It occurs when the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin is impaired. The pancreas releases insulin after we eat, as it is a hormone that helps the body’s cells use glucose for energy. With Type 2 diabetes, the cells don’t use insulin effectively. This is known as insulin resistance.

There is research that shows that extra fat around the liver and visceral fat, the fat that surrounds the internal organs, plays a role in blocking insulin, which prevents glucose from entering the cells. The higher a person’s body fat percentage, the harder it is for their cells to respond properly to insulin.

While carrying extra weight anywhere in the body can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, there is evidence that suggests that people who carry excess belly fat are at a greater risk of the disease.

Studies have shown that substantial weight loss through healthy lifestyle habits, medication, or surgery can prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss is proven to help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Research shows that losing even as little as 3% to 5% of your body weight through healthy lifestyle changes can help control diabetes. Losing extra weight can help control blood sugar levels, boost energy levels, and improve overall health and well-being.

Some strategies for weight loss include:

Setting a weight loss goal
Eating smaller portions
Focusing on nutrient-dense foods
Increasing water intake
Exercising regularly

One study found that people who have obesity and Type 2 diabetes and followed a six-month diet plan lost an average of 30 pounds, and nearly half achieved remission of diabetes. This means that they have sustained their blood glucose levels within a normal range for three months or more without taking diabetes medication.

Remission is most likely to occur in the early stages of type 2 diabetes. Studies show that losing just 10% to 15% of body weight within two years of diagnosis is enough to achieve remission. In later stages of diabetes, the body may lose its ability to make insulin, making remission less likely. However, some people with advanced type 2 diabetes may achieve remission by losing 20% to 25% of their body weight.

There are many medications that can help with weight loss. Liraglutide and semaglutide are two injectable diabetes medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat obesity. These GLP-1 receptor antagonists are a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. They not only improve blood sugar control, but they can also promote weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing stomach emptying. Another injectable option is tirzepatide, a GLP-1 and GIP agonist that also lowers weight and improves blood sugar.

Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, can also treat obesity and promote weight loss. This procedure is designed to reduce food intake and decrease hunger to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends bariatric surgery as a treatment option for people with diabetes who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or greater. Various bariatric surgeries can be performed. They include:

Gastric sleeve
Gastric bypass
Adjustable gastric band

A research review found that bariatric surgery can effectively help manage Type 2 diabetes in up to 80% of people, and quickly. For some people, blood sugar levels may return to healthy levels within days or weeks after the procedure.

For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

How Stress Affects Diabetes #StressAwarenessMonth

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When we are under stress, the body releases hormones that increase blood glucose levels. This can cause adverse symptoms in people with diabetes.

If you experience stress or feel threatened, your body reacts with the fight-or-flight response. During this response, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream increasing respiratory rates. This can also increase blood glucose levels if the body can’t adequately process it.

Stress affects people differently. The type of stress that people experience can impact their body’s physical response.

When people with type 2 diabetes are under mental stress, they can experience an increase in their blood glucose levels. People who have type 1 diabetes may have a more varied response as they experience either an increase or decrease in their blood glucose levels.

Mental symptoms of stress include:

Feeling unmotivated
Feeling irritable
Feeling depressed
Feeling restless
Feeling anxious

When you are under physical stress, your blood sugar can also increase. This can happen due to sickness or injury. This affects people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Physical symptoms of stress include:

Headaches
Muscle pain or tension
Sleeping too much or too little
General feelings of illness
Fatigue

There are several ways to manage the effects of different forms of stress which could help lessen or limit the stressors in your life, including:

Exercising regularly
Practicing relaxing activities such as yoga or tai chi
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation
Avoiding known stressors, such as high-stress social situations
Reducing caffeine intake
Spending time with loved ones

If you are feeling stressed, you can also connect with people online or in your community for solidarity and support by:

Joining an online support group
Joining an in-person support group
Seeking therapy

If mental or physical stress symptoms are affecting your diabetes, you can schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

The Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it produces effectively.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar names, however, they are different diseases with distinctive causes.

A key difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is type 1 is caused by an autoimmune reaction and develops early in life. Type 2 diabetes develops over several years and is related to lifestyle factors such as being inactive and carrying excess weight, and is usually diagnosed in adults.

Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, mistaking them for foreign invaders. After the beta cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce insulin.

Researchers are unsure why the immune system attacks the body’s cells. They believe it may be due to genetic and environmental factors, such as being exposed to viruses.

People who have type 2 diabetes have an insulin resistance. The body can still produce insulin but is unable to use it effectively.

Researchers aren’t sure why some people become insulin-resistant and others don’t, but several lifestyle factors may contribute to it, such as being inactive and carrying excess weight.

Other genetic and environmental factors may also play a role. When a person develops type 2 diabetes, the pancreas will overcompensate by producing more insulin. Because the body can’t effectively use the insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream.

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are less clear than risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

The known risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:

Family history
Age

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

Having prediabetes or slightly elevated blood sugar levels
Carrying excess weight or having obesity
Having a lot of belly fat
Being physically active less than three times a week
Being over the age of 45
Having had gestational diabetes
Giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
Being Black, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native due to structural inequities contributing to health disparities
Having an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If not managed properly, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms that can include:

Urinating frequently
Feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot of fluids
Feeling very hungry
Feeling very fatigued
Having blurry vision
Having cuts or sores that don’t heal properly
Having very dry skin
Having more infections than usual

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can also experience irritability, mood changes, and unintentional weight loss.

Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented. However, it is possible to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes that include:

Maintaining a moderate weight
Working with a healthcare provider to develop a healthy weight-loss plan, if you are overweight
Increasing activity levels
Eating a balanced diet and reducing the intake of sugary foods and overly processed foods

If you are experiencing diabetes symptoms, you can call to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

Elevate Her- Gestational Diabetes

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops exclusively in pregnancy when blood sugar levels are too high.

Gestational diabetes develops when hormones from the placenta interfere with your body’s ability to make or use insulin. Insulin breaks down the glucose from food and delivers it to your cells. It keeps the glucose levels in your blood at a healthy level. If insulin doesn’t work right or you don’t have enough of it, sugar builds up in your blood and leads to diabetes.

Anyone can get gestational diabetes during pregnancy. However, certain factors can increase your risk, including:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Being obese or overweight before pregnancy
Personal history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies
Family history of Type 2 diabetes
Having prediabetes
Having polycystic ovary syndrome
Having previously delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds
Being of a certain race or ethnicity, such as Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian American
Being of an advanced maternal age

There are usually no obvious warning signs of gestational diabetes. Symptoms are too mild and often go unnoticed until your pregnancy care provider tests you for the disease. If you do have symptoms, they can include:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Tiredness
Nausea

Gestational diabetes that isn’t carefully managed can lead to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby, including an increased likelihood of needing a C-section to deliver the baby. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby may be at an increased risk of:

Excessive birth weight
Preterm birth
Serious breathing difficulties at birth
Low blood sugar
Obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life
Stillbirth

To diagnose gestational diabetes, your healthcare provider will test your blood sugar during pregnancy with a blood test. Often the first test is a screening. If you don’t pass the screening, a provider will order a second blood test which is more comprehensive and includes:

Glucose challenge test
Glucose tolerance test

If you have gestational diabetes, you will need more frequent checkups during your pregnancy. Treatment for gestational diabetes includes:

Lifestyle changes
Blood sugar monitoring
Medication, if necessary

Managing your blood sugar levels helps keep you and your baby healthy. Close management can also help you avoid complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Gestational diabetes isn’t entirely preventable. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Eating balanced and nutritious meals and getting regular exercise before and after your pregnancy are the best ways to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

To learn more about the OB/GYN services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Women’s Health Services or to make an appointment, call 718-291-3276.

Podiatry: What Your Feet Can Tell You about Your Health

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Our bodies present many signs and symptoms to show us that we are sick, such as a runny nose, fever, and body aches. However, your feet can tell us a lot about our health, including:

Dry, flaking, itchy, or peeling skin may be signs of a thyroid condition or a fungal infection.
Foot numbness may be a sign of circulation problems such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes, other neurological problems, arthritis, or long-standing alcoholism.
A foot sore that won’t heal may be a sign of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. In addition to causing nerve damage, high blood sugar might also damage the blood vessels that supply nerves, causing circulation problems that prevent healing.
Swollen ankles and feet may be signs of heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or a blood clot. Painless swelling in the feet is gravity in action. If your heart, liver, or kidneys aren’t working properly, you will have excess fluid in the body that leaks into your tissues and drains down to the feet.
A suddenly, intensely painful, and swollen big toe may be a sign of gout, inflammation caused by a buildup of uric acid that forms crystals in the joints.
Pain in the foot when walking or exercising that goes away when resting may be a sign of a stress fracture or osteoporosis.
Sore toe joints in both feet may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Frequent foot cramping may be a sign of dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
Heel pain may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, the strain of the ligament that supports the arch in your foot.
Yellow toenails may be a sign of a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot.
Balding or hairless feet and toes may be a sign of circulation problems, such as peripheral artery disease.
Foot or heel pain upon standing or rising in the morning may be a sign of arthritis or plantar fasciitis.
Frequently cold feet may be a sign of hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud’s disease, a condition where blood vessels spasm and constrict when experiencing cold temperatures.

Some ways you can care for your feet include:

Wash and examine your feet daily
Keep the skin on your feet moisturized
Treat any callouses and corns
Trim toenails weekly or as needed
Wear protective clothing on your feet
Maintain blood flow to the feet

If you are experiencing any of these foot ailments, contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Queens Podiatry Center at (718) 206-6713-6712 to make an appointment.

Living with Diabetes during the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Making healthy choices during the winter holidays can be challenging for many people. It can be even more challenging for people with diabetes.

If you are a diabetic, it is important to eat mindfully by following your diet and making a plan. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a diabetes-friendly holiday season:

Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
Stay hydrated
Communicate with family and friends about your diabetes needs and how they can support you
Stay active
- Take short walks
- Dance or play games
Plan for holiday meals
- Choose healthier options
- Watch portion sizes
- Balance your plate
Prepare for travel
- Pack your diabetes kit
- Carry snacks
Get enough sleep
Don’t skip meals
Watch what you drink and how much
Talk to your doctor about changes in your health
Take care of your mental health
- Practice mindfulness
- Set realistic expectations

With some planning and preparation, you can still enjoy the holidays and your favorite foods while managing your blood sugar.

To schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

Endocrine disruptors

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Endocrine disruptors are natural or man-made chemicals that may mimic or interfere with how the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system, work. The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones. These chemicals are linked to many health problems in both wildlife and people. Since endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) come from many different sources, people are exposed in several ways, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. EDCs can also enter the body through the skin.

Endocrine disruptors can disrupt many different hormones, which is why they have been linked to numerous adverse human health outcomes, including:

Alterations in sperm quality and fertility
Abnormalities in sex organs
Endometriosis
Early puberty
Altered nervous system function
Immune function
Certain cancers
Respiratory and cardiovascular problems
Metabolic issues
Diabetes
Obesity
Growth
Neurological and learning disabilities

According to the Endocrine Society, there are nearly 85,000 human-made chemicals worldwide, and 1,000 or more of those could be endocrine disruptors based on their unique properties. The following chemicals are among the most common and well-studied:

Atrazine
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Dioxins
Perchlorate
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Phthalates
Phytoestrogens
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Triclosan

High EDC exposures during fetal development and childhood can have long-lasting health effects since there are periods where hormones regulate the formation and maturation of organs. Early-life exposures have been linked to developmental abnormalities and may increase the risk for various diseases later in life.

Many EDCs have been found to cross the placenta and become concentrated in the fetus’ circulatory system. Other EDCs can be transferred from mother to infant through breast milk.

Although evidence linking EDCs to adverse health outcomes grows, the cause-and-effect relationship is not yet fully understood. Generally, chronic high exposure poses the highest risk, however, a developing fetus or infant is more vulnerable to lower exposures.

Additionally, a person’s genetic predisposition to specific health conditions and additional environmental risk factors can modify how a person is affected by EDCs.

For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Oral Health

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Your oral health is more important than you might realize. The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can affect your overall health.

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless, but the mouth is the entryway to the digestive tract. It is also the entryway to the respiratory tract. Because of this, germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Oral germs and inflammation are linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies suggest that germs and inflammation that form in the mouth might play a role in some diseases, including:

Endocarditis
Cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy and birth complications
Pneumonia

Most of the body’s defenses and good oral care help keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that may lead to infections like tooth decay and gum disease.

While practicing good oral hygiene can lower the risk of health problems, other factors can affect oral health. Certain medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills, and antidepressants can lower the flow of saliva. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance helping to keep them from spreading and causing disease.

Some health conditions can also affect oral health, they include:

Diabetes
HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Alzheimer’s disease

You can protect your oral health and take care of your mouth every day by:

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
Flossing between your teeth daily.
Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Sooner if the bristles are worn out.
Seeing a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings.

Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, you may call 718-206-6980

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when our blood sugar or glucose is too high. This happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or can’t use insulin properly to regulate blood glucose.

Diabetes is diagnosed in a significant amount of people in our population; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that approximately 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is 11.6% of the population.

Complications such as vision loss, amputation, heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and even death can occur as a result of diabetes.

There is no cure for diabetes; however, the disease can be managed, and in some cases reversed through treatment and (or) healthy weight loss and lifestyle changes.

Reversing diabetes or putting it in remission means managing blood sugar levels and keeping your A1c below 48 mmol/mol or less than 6.5%, without needing to take medications for three months or more. This may be achieved by:

Losing weight, which may help cells respond to insulin
Exercising by doing a combination of aerobic and strength training activities
Eating a healthy diet that is rich in lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains
Avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates

It is important to note that diabetes reversal or remission is not permanent. Therefore, there is a chance that symptoms can return. Please see your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the following signs that are indicative of your diabetes being out of remission.

Frequent infections
Increased hunger, thirst, or urination
Blurry vision
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Slow healing wounds
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

In addition, continue to see your healthcare provider regularly to ensure your diabetes is being managed well.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.