Diabetes Care

Our Diabetes Center of Excellence is notable for its diabetes self-management education program and has been awarded accreditation four times by the American Diabetes Association* (ADA).  The American Diabetes Association recognizes our education service as meeting the high National Standards for diabetes self-management.

Program highlights include:

• Diabetes individual assessment, evaluation, care and treatment
• Comprehensive diabetes self-management education and training
• Nutritionist/registered dietitian for individualized meal planning
• Diabetes education classes scheduled each month with 10 content areas that meet the National Standards for diabetes education programs.
• Monthly group self-management education classes in English and Spanish,
• Insulin pump services:  download capability for trend and insulin adjustments
• Monthly insulin pump support group
• Monthly diabetes support group held every fourth Thursday of the month for follow-up
• Continuous glucose sensors monitoring system (CGMS) for eligible patients
• Provides list of community resources for on-going care and support.

Referral to Other Clinical Services

Patients with diabetes are referred to other services based on the standard of care for diabetes care, the clinical assessment and provider’s judgment for continuum of care to prevent diabetes-related complications.

• Podiatry: feet and nail care to prevent amputations
• Vascular: to address diabetes neuropathy (disease of the nervous system)
• Cardiac: to prevent heart conditions, heart attack and stroke
• Primary Care: to prevent cancer, heart attack and stroke
• Psychiatry: to improve coping skills and manage co-morbid conditions
• Smoking Cessation Program:  to reduce the risk of smoking through smoking cessation
• Social Worker: financial assistance and health insurance eligibility counseling
• Financial counselor:  to determine eligibility, NYC Health + Hospitals Options.

Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens’ Diabetes Self-Management Education Program has been awarded National recognition by the American Diabetes Association since 2004.  Monthly Diabetes Support Groups and Monthly Diabetes Education Classes are provided in Spanish and English.

Online Diabetes Wellness Center

Patients with diabetes are encouraged to visit the New York Diabetes Wellness Center at diabetes where they will find expert advice about healthy food choices, success stories from patients like them, tips on diet, exercise, insulin use and much more.

Clinical Trials Program

Since 2012, The Diabetes Center of Excellence has been taking part in ground-breaking clinical trials.  We continue to participate in clinical trials for patients with Type I and Type II diabetes as well as for patients with thyroid disease.

If you or someone you know suffer from disorders of the endocrine system, i.e. diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, etc., you may be eligible to participate in our trials.

For more information, please contact our local research coordinator at 718-883-3372.

Tips for Patients

• It is important to be prepared for all Diabetes Center visits so the physician can better assess your glucose levels and adjust your dosage of insulin or medications for improved glycemic control.
• Come to the Diabetes Center 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
• Bring two (2) forms of identification.
• Bring all your medication bottles or a list of the medications along with the corresponding dosages you are currently taking.
• Have the name and telephone number of your primary care physician with you.
• If you have difficulty communicating, please bring a family member with you.
• Bring your finger stick log book and/or your glucometer with you to each Diabetes Center visit.
• Carry a snack and glucose tablets with you.

Frequently-asked Questions for Patients

Why do I have to be seen in the Diabetes Center?

• To help you achieve better diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol control.
• To obtain an education about living with and managing your diabetes.
• To receive ongoing support for you and your family.

Where is the Diabetes Center?

• It is located on the fourth floor of the Pavilion Building on the northeastern side of the NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens campus.

Who will teach me how to inject my insulin?

• The Certified Nurse Diabetes Educator.

When should I go to the Emergency Room?

• If blood sugar levels rise over 300 mg/dl with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, frequent urination and extreme thirst.
• If you have a fever associated with blurry vision and/or headache that doesn’t resolve itself within 24 hours.

Call 718-883-3180 for more information about diabetes care at Queens Hospital Center.

*The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading non-profit health organization supporting diabetes research, advocacy and information for health professionals, patients and the public.  Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association has an area office in every state and conducts programs in communities nationwide.