New York, NY – This Diabetes Awareness Month, NYC Health + Hospitals highlighted powerful stories of transformation through its Lifestyle Medicine Program. This initiative has shown how lifestyle changes can dramatically improve health for those battling type 2 diabetes.
Take Lilibeth Ramos, for example. After suffering pain in her leg, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At 39, she hadn’t seen a doctor in years. Entering the Lifestyle Medicine Program, Lilibeth created a personalized plan with a medical team, including a dietitian and a health coach. Weekly classes taught her about nutrition and how to manage stress effectively.
“I used to drink tons of soda,” she said. Now, she opts for water or club soda. Rather than munching on candy, she snacks on fruits like apples and berries. Perhaps most importantly, she learned stress management techniques that helped improve her sleep. After seven months, her A1C level dropped from 10.6% to 5.4%, a remarkable change that has put her in the normal range without medication.
Another success story is Sandra Peters. After living with type 2 diabetes for ten years, a severe health scare led her to join the program. Originally skeptical, she found the experience insightful. “I thought I knew everything about my diet,” she admitted. However, she discovered new cooking techniques and healthier ingredient swaps that helped her make lasting changes.
In seven months, Sandra improved her A1C from 8.0% to 5.8%. “This program has truly changed my life,” she said. “They guide you every step of the way.”
The Lifestyle Medicine Program is designed to support over 1,400 patients annually, providing a chance for others like Lilibeth and Sandra to reclaim their health. It includes a mix of counseling, exercise classes, and fresh produce deliveries. Participants learn about nutrition, stress management, and the importance of physical activity.
Recent studies show that lifestyle changes can be as effective as medications for managing diabetes. According to the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, lifestyle intervention reduced the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 58% compared to control groups. This shows that programs like NYC Health + Hospitals’ can have a significant impact on patients’ lives, making healthy living both achievable and enjoyable.
“The real benefit comes from personal support and understanding what works for you,” said Dr. Michelle McMacken, Executive Director of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals. “We help patients build habits that foster lasting health.”
With a range of resources, including cooking videos and a plant-based cookbook, the program aims to meet diverse patient needs, ensuring cultural appropriateness and support for different backgrounds.
As Lilibeth and Sandra demonstrate, the Lifestyle Medicine Program can transform not just physical health but overall quality of life. For those facing diabetes, this program offers hope and a path to a healthier future.
