Diabetes

Clinical Services: Endocrinology and Diabetes

Upper East Side
1305 York Ave., 4th Floor
New York, NY 10021

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(646) 962-8690

Lower Manhattan
156 William Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038

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(646) 962-8690

Diabetes Care at Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine is here to support and care for you. Whether you are at risk for developing diabetes; have been newly diagnosed with prediabetes, gestational diabetes (diabetes developed during pregnancy), type 1 or type 2 diabetes; or need help managing your diabetes and improving your health — our dedicated diabetes team will help you live a full, active and vibrant life.

You are so much more than your diabetes and blood sugar numbers. Our team is here to help you live the life you want as healthfully as possible.

At Weill Cornell Medicine, our doctors focus on helping our patients learn and understand as much as possible about their specific condition. Our goal is to empower you to lead a healthy life in which you feel confident about your choices and care.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine for Your Diabetes Care?

Multidisciplinary care from leading experts: Our department includes a dedicated diabetes care team: diabetologists (doctors who specialize in diabetes care), a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician. The diabetes educator is here to help you learn about your diabetes condition and answer all your questions at length. The registered dietician helps develop a healthy diet that fits and supports your unique lifestyle.

When you choose Weill Cornell Medicine, you have access to a network of the full range of doctors and specialists for your comprehensive care. If needed, you can consult with eye, kidney and foot specialists, as well as our Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program.

Weill Cornell Medicine partners with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.

Focus on your lifelong health and wellness: We are here to help you develop and maintain the best healthy lifestyle for you. Your plan will be respectful of your goals, family life, career and cultural background.

Together with your doctor, diabetes educator and registered dietician, you will learn how to make changes to achieve and maintain your healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes Conditions We Treat

We provide the highest standard of care for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, our team has extensive experience with gestational diabetes and pregnancy in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

● Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any time. People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin from an injection or a pump to manage their diabetes.

● Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 95% of all cases diagnosed in adults. Several studies have shown that healthy eating, regular physical activity and weight loss, with medication, if prescribed, can help control complications from or can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

● Prediabetes: Prediabetes means you have a higher blood sugar level, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. With lifestyle changes, weight loss and medications, it’s possible to bring your blood sugar level within target range.

● Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy that can cause health problems during pregnancy for you and the baby. Although gestational diabetes often goes away after pregnancy, about half of those who had gestational diabetes get type 2 diabetes later in life.

Learn more about diabetes.

Diabetes Management to Help You Thrive

Understanding how many servings of carbohydrates you need and are eating is key to blood sugar control.

No two diabetes patients are the same, so no two treatment plans are the same. Your treatment plan may include:

● Monitoring your blood sugar: Careful monitoring with a glucose meter is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level remains within your target range.

● Insulin therapy: If you have type 1 diabetes, you need insulin therapy to survive. If you have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, you may also need insulin therapy. There are many types of insulin, including short-acting (regular insulin), rapid-acting insulin and long-acting insulin. Your doctor may prescribe a mixture of insulin types to use throughout the day and night. An insulin pump may also be an option.

● Medications: Medication therapy for diabetes includes many drugs that work in different ways to bring blood sugar levels back to within target range.

● Carbohydrate counting and meal planning: Understanding how much carbohydrates you need and how many you are eating is key to blood sugar control. By paying close attention to what and when you eat, you can minimize changes in your blood sugar levels. Your doctor or dietician will work with you to set up a menu plan.

● Exercise: Exercise improves your body’s use of insulin and may lower blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to work with your doctor to set up an exercise program.

Make an Appointment

Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or you see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion. Our team has taken every step to keep our facilities safe for you to continue your care. Learn more about our safety measures and the changes we’ve made to enhance your patient experience.

Meet Our Physicians

The physicians at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Endocrinology offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.

Our Doctors

FAQ

What does a diagnosis of diabetes mean? I’ve heard the term “high blood sugar.” Is that term accurate?

Diabetes occurs because the body is unable to produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone released into the blood to control glucose (sugar) levels and the amount of glucose that gets into your cells as an energy source.

If the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or does not respond appropriately to insulin, glucose can’t get into the cells and your body’s blood sugar level gets too high. High blood sugar can lead to serious health problems.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? I’ve heard type 1 is genetic, and type 2 is lifestyle related. Is that correct?

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes. For both types, you inherit a predisposition to the disease and then something in your environment triggers it to develop.

Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any time. People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin from an injection or a pump to manage their diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 95% of all cases diagnosed in adults. Diet and lifestyle changes, along with medication (if prescribed), can help control complications from type 2 diabetes. Although formerly called “adult-onset diabetes,” type 2 diabetes can also occur in children.

What systems or organs in my body are affected?

Over time, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes complications can affect your body’s major organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Maintaining a blood sugar level within target range through medication and diet can dramatically reduce the risk of many complications.

Is this a diagnosis I can reverse or change? Or is this a chronic condition?

There is no cure for diabetes. However, it is a condition that can be managed with diabetes medications or insulin therapy. By living a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise and healthy diet, you can live a vibrant life and do everything you set out to do.

Do I have to take medication? Do I take insulin? Do I have to prick my finger to test my blood sugar levels?

People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin from an injection or a pump to manage their diabetes. Healthy eating, regular physical activity and medication, if prescribed, can help control complications from type 2 diabetes or prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

For most people with diabetes, monitoring blood glucose level is a part of life. The two main types of equipment used are standard blood glucose meters that use a drop of blood to check what your levels are at that moment and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that check your blood glucose regularly. CGMs work through a sensor placed on your skin — not a finger prick — and sends readings to a small recording device.

Do I have to overhaul my diet completely?

You will collaborate with your registered dietician to carefully evaluate your current diet and determine the most healthful diet for you, respectful of your cultural background, family life, career and other factors.

You will discuss ways for you to eat more nutritious, low-fat, high-fiber foods — such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You’ll need to learn how to count the amount of carbohydrates in the foods you eat so you can give yourself enough insulin to absorb those carbohydrates.

Now that I have been diagnosed with diabetes, what are some things I can do to support (outside of medication) my wellness?

It’s important to develop a healthy lifestyle that works for you and that you can maintain throughout your life. This lifestyle will be unique to you and your goals. Be sure to collaborate with your doctor and registered dietitian to determine the best exercise program and diet for you.

Also, be sure to take care of your mental health: Managing your diabetes can take a toll on your emotions. Reach out to your loved ones to talk about how you feel. Weill Cornell Medicine psychiatrists are here to help you process feelings of overwhelm, sadness, helplessness or worry.

I don’t think I’m overweight, but will losing weight help?

You will discuss your weight with your doctor. You may determine that losing weight may be beneficial, but this is not always the case.

Are there physiological factors that predispose Black and brown people to chronic illnesses like diabetes? Or are the higher rates of diabetes and related deaths in these populations due to socioeconomic disparities and lack of access to healthcare?

Although the causes are not entirely understood, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian people and Pacific Islanders are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white people are. In the U.S., multiple factors contribute to these disparities, including genetic factors, social influences and inequities that prevent access to regular healthcare.

The diabetes care team at Weill Cornell Medicine is actively involved in research and initiatives to end diabetes care disparities. We are also dedicated to providing expert, compassionate and culturally appropriate care to our patients of color. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible health and lead the life you want.

Are there other resources you can refer me to that will support my health and wellness as I manage this condition?

The Weill Cornell Medicine diabetes care team includes a certified diabetes educator and dietitian. They collaborate with you to educate you about your specific condition and the many ways you can take charge of your health. Your diabetes educator can provide excellent resources that are specifically appropriate for you.