How Montefiore Einstein Is supporting families during American Diabetes Month
By Dr. Edwin Torres, Nurse Practitioner and Diabetes Specialist, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism at Montefiore Medical Center
Bronx Voice
November 19, 2025
BRONX LOCAL NEWS - American Diabetes Month is underway, and Montefiore Einstein is helping families across the Bronx and Lower Hudson Valley learn simple ways to protect their health. Each year, the American Diabetes Association leads a national campaign, and this year’s national theme is “It All Matters,” a message that honors everyone affected by diabetes and every effort made to prevent and manage the condition.
At Montefiore Einstein, our system is rallying around an additional local theme, Fueling Healthy Change, which highlights the importance of education, prevention, and community support. While the national theme recognizes a shared fight across the country, our local theme centers on the specific needs of the communities we serve. Together, these messages reinforce the same goal. Every choice matters, every action matters, and every effort to support healthier living matters.
A Full Month of Community Focused Programming
Planning for this year’s activities began months ago and involved clinicians, educators, medical students, wellness teams, and community organizations. More than 40 events are taking place across the Montefiore Einstein system, including at Moses, Wakefield, Einstein, Mount Vernon, and Nyack. These events give residents a chance to learn about diabetes prevention and management through activities designed to be friendly, clear, and easy to apply.
Kickoff Celebration Set the Tone for the Month
The campaign began on October 30 with a festive kickoff in the Grand Hall at the Moses Campus. Despite the cool weather outside, the indoor space created a warm environment for patients, families, and staff. Educational tables, interactive demonstrations, and helpful volunteers made it easy for visitors to explore topics such as nutrition, early warning signs, and ways to prevent complications.
Montefiore Einstein was also honored to welcome US Congressman Adriano Espaillat and New York State Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia. Both leaders spoke about the importance of diabetes awareness in the Bronx and the need for continued community education and support. Their presence reinforced the shared commitment to improving health outcomes for families across the region.
Candy Exchange Events Helped Children Make Healthy Choices
Soon after Halloween, the health system hosted two family friendly Candy Exchange events aimed at helping children make balanced choices during a season filled with sweets. On November 1, the Nyack Library held a playful Candy Exchange where kids could trade their Halloween candy for teddy bears. Families also learned simple ways to make healthier food choices. The relaxed setting encouraged children to explore nutrition in a hands-on way.
On November 4, the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore hosted the Montefiore Candy Exchange in the Grand Hall at the Moses Campus. Children came in costume, traded their candy for toys and prizes, and enjoyed games, diabetes friendly snacks, and educational activities. Families were able to meet specialists, ask questions and learn how to support children living with diabetes. Both events offered a supportive and fun approach to healthier habits.
Education for Seniors and Caregivers
Improving senior health remains a major part of this year’s programming. Many older adults live with diabetes or are at risk without realizing it. To meet this need, Montefiore Einstein is offering presentations across the senior center network on the connection between diabetes and dental health, as well as the role of mental health in daily management. These sessions offer practical and realistic steps older adults can take right away.
World Diabetes Day Symposium Strengthened Community Learning
On November 13, the day before World Diabetes Day, Montefiore Einstein partnered with Plant Powered Metro New York to host a full day Diabetes Breakthrough Symposium at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. This successful collaboration brought together clinicians, community-based organizations, and Bronx residents for an engaging program focused on lifestyle guidance, prevention, and whole food, plant-based nutrition.
Dr. Pedro Maria, Dr. Mary Dominguez, and Dr. Sara Velayati presented on how early screening, nutrition, and daily habits can help prevent diabetes and reduce complications. The event featured a cooking demonstration, interactive activities, prizes, and a plant-based lunch, making it both informative and enjoyable for attendees.
A Shared Commitment to Health
Endocrinology fellows and trainees continue to lead educational sessions throughout the month on how diabetes affects the body and how early screening can prevent complications. The Diabetes Prevention Program has also been featured, showing residents how small shifts in daily routines can significantly reduce their risk.
American Diabetes Month at Montefiore Einstein reflects a unified effort across campuses, departments, and communities. While the national theme reminds us that every effort in this fight matters, our local theme, Fueling Healthy Change, highlights the everyday steps that can help our neighbors live healthier lives.
Together, these messages guide our work and strengthen our mission to support the health of every family across the Bronx and beyond.
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