New York, NY ― In response to the increasing number of diabetes-related deaths in New York City, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) reminds New Yorkers about the importance of seeking help to prevent and manage this serious and chronic disease. HHC public hospitals and community health centers in every borough offer a wide array of services to help New Yorkers achieve healthy levels of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol -- the three leading indicators for the disease.

“If you are one of nearly 650,000 New Yorkers who have diabetes, you know that staying healthy with this disease can have special challenges. There's a lot to learn and a lot to keep track of, and sometimes it can seem overwhelming,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles. “At HHC, our expert doctors and healthcare teams help individuals learn the skills they need to keep their illness under control, including the importance of testing their blood sugar, and the need for exercise, proper diet and weight control.”

HHC cares for more than 58,000 diabetic patients. Of those, 48.1% had their diabetes under control as of 2011 as determined by A1C measurements (A1C is a test that measures blood glucose control). Nationally, only 34.7% of diabetic patients in Medicaid managed care plans had their diabetes under control in 2011.

HHC facilities are battling the disease on many fronts. HHC provides care and support including:

• Primary care centers in all five boroughs. Expert teams of medical professionals provide comprehensive care including identifying early symptoms of diabetes; treatment and management; and referrals to eye doctors and podiatrists for related care.
• Support groups and diabetes wellness classes. Available in all HHC facilities, these include tips on healthy eating, weight loss, exercise groups, and expertise in teaching our diverse patient population how to prepare healthier meals within the dietary customs of their own communities.
• Telemedicine. The House Calls Telehealth Program connects patients who are having trouble managing their diabetes with a cadre of trained nurse professionals through an electronic remote monitoring system installed in the patients’ homes. Nurse care managers use remote telehealthmonitoring, access to electronic medical records, electronic communication with providers and direct communication with patients to help them manage their diabetes and improve outcomes.
• An online Diabetes Wellness Center. Diabetic patients become more active participants in their healthcare and blood sugar control through this website featuring advice from HHC doctors, nurses and nutritionists, patient success stories, healthy eating and exercise tips, recipes, and access to free blood monitors.
• A video library. Provides important information and health tips for people with diabetes, including a video on how to inject insulin properly.

According to the New York City Health Department, diabetes-related deaths are at an all-time high. The disease was the underlying or a contributing cause of 5,695 deaths in 2011, about 160 more such deaths than in 2010 and about 1,260 more than in 1990. The city's diabetes death rate is now 67 fatalities per 100,000 people. Nearly 650,000 adult New Yorkers reported having diabetes in 2011, an increase of 200,000 adults since 2002, and it’s believed that many more don’t know they have the disease.

For more information go to http://www.nyc.gov/hhc/diabetes or call 311 to find an HHC public hospital or health center near you.