Montefiore Einstein is holding free classes and workshops to educate Bronxites about diabetes this month and share resources on diabetes prevention and management for American Diabetes Awareness Month.
The workshops aim to address some of the causes of the disease and some common falsehoods associated with it. For instance, at a workshop last week, about 30 attendees were taught about some of the myths about diabetes and were also shown how to spot misinformation and where to find reliable information.
Monica Kelly, MS, RD, CDN, CNSC, Nutrition Program Manager, Associate Wellness at Montefiore Health System helped lead the workshop and talked about how common it is to get inaccurate information online.
“There’s just so much misinformation about nutrition,” Kelly said. “Same thing about medical management or what causes diabetes or what’s the best treatment. It’s something that we get questions about or hear things about probably every day from patients.”
The rate of diabetes in the Bronx declined from 16% in 2016 when the county led the state to 13.6% in 2021, according to the New York State Department of Health. That rate is still high; the Bronx is second only to Staten Island in the five boroughs.
Kelly highlighted some common myths about diabetes like the narratives that only those people who consume sugary drinks or are overweight are at risk of developing diabetes. In reality, someone who is not overweight can also develop diabetes and so can someone who avoids sugary drinks.
“All these things [such as being overweight] are things that still can put you at risk of having diabetes,” Kelly said. “But, there’s a lot more to it.”
Myths that oversimplify a complex, chronic disease like diabetes are harmful because they can create a blind spot to other important health factors that can also increase a person’s risk of diabetes.
Montefiore offered tips on spotting misinformation, like knowing who is operating the website that information is on. Sites by government agencies or educational institutions will usually have reliable information. Check when the info was published or revised to be sure it’s up to date. Use caution when looking at a website that might be selling something.
Kelly emphasized that doing online research isn’t enough and that talking with health providers is essential.
Montefiore offers comprehensive diabetes care with endocrinologists, dietitians and educators. It also offers the Promise Program, which addresses diabetes management, as well as other social factors that can be barriers to management, like mental health support.
Find more free workshops, events and classes on the American Diabetes Awareness Month calendar.
