You Won't Believe How These Two Patients Reversed Their Diabetes—The Shocking Truth Revealed!

New York, NY – In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, NYC Health + Hospitals recently highlighted the journeys of two patients whose lives have been transformed through the hospital's Lifestyle Medicine Program. This innovative program aims to empower individuals with type 2 diabetes by equipping them with the tools to make sustainable lifestyle changes. The success stories of Lilibeth Ramos and Sandra Peters illustrate the profound impact of personalized care and community support.

Lilibeth Ramos, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at just 39 years old, entered the Lifestyle Medicine Program after experiencing severe leg pain. Initially unaware of her condition, she was shocked when she learned her A1C level was 10.6%, a measurement that indicates blood sugar levels over time. Under the guidance of a team that included a medical provider, a registered dietitian, and a health coach, Ramos embarked on a journey that would see her A1C drop to 5.8% within seven months. Today, she has maintained an A1C of 5.4% without medication.

“If it wasn’t for the group, I wouldn’t know what to do,” Ramos reflected. She attributed her success to the program's supportive environment, which offered one-on-one counseling and weekly group classes where she learned about nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Strikingly, her approach to everyday choices changed dramatically; she swapped sugary sodas for water and traded in candy for fresh fruits. “I learned how to breathe in, breathe out. Now, I go to sleep earlier, and I feel more energy,” she shared, emphasizing the program's holistic approach to health.

Sandra Peters, on the other hand, had battled type 2 diabetes for over a decade. After a health scare that included sepsis and kidney failure, she decided to participate in the Lifestyle Medicine Program, albeit with skepticism. “I thought, ‘What are they going to tell me that I haven’t already heard?’” Peters admitted. However, the program exceeded her expectations, providing tailored guidance that focused on practical changes. Under the mentorship of Registered Dietitian Rosemary Lopez, she learned to enhance her meals with spices rather than relying on unhealthy condiments and found that fast food no longer appealed to her as she adopted healthier eating habits.

Over the course of the program, Peters improved her A1C from 8.0% to 7.0%, and she is now proud to report a reading of 5.8% without additional medications. “Everyone knows what you’re supposed to do to be healthy, but this program actually shows you how to do it,” Peters noted. The emotional and practical support from her fellow participants and the staff proved invaluable in making lasting changes.

NYC Health + Hospitals’ Lifestyle Medicine Program has seen remarkable success, with over 1,400 patients participating in the past year. This interdisciplinary initiative focuses on evidence-based lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthful, plant-based diet, increasing physical activity, improving sleep habits, managing stress, and fostering stronger social connections. The program is available at seven sites across New York City, serving thousands of patients annually.

The comprehensive care model includes:

• Personalized Counseling: Six to nine one-on-one sessions with healthcare professionals.
• Weekly Group Classes: Covering nutrition, stress management, and fitness fundamentals.
• Exercise Classes: Led by fitness instructors, promoting physical activity.
• Fresh Produce Deliveries: Seasonal fruits and vegetables provided to encourage healthier eating.
• Health Bucks: $2 coupons for purchasing fresh produce at NYC farmers' markets.
• Culinary Skills Videos: Cooking tutorials that promote nutritious eating across various culinary traditions.
• Plant-Based Cookbook: Resources for healthy meal preparation.
• Community Support: Assistance with accessing benefits like SNAP and addressing other social determinants of health.

The program has received accolades from healthcare professionals, with Dr. Michelle McMacken, Executive Director of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals, stating, “Lifestyle change is foundational to preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, and in some cases can even help put diabetes into remission.”

The positive outcomes experienced by Ramos and Peters underscore a crucial message: with the right support and resources, significant health improvements are not just possible—they are achievable. As more individuals seek effective strategies to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, programs such as this one offer hope and practical solutions to lead healthier lives.