National excellence in diabetes education, right here in Brooklyn

The Maimonides Diabetes Education Program helps adults with diabetes take charge of daily care with clear education, practical tools, and ongoing support. As part of our Endocrine and Metabolic Services, the program focuses on real-life goals that fit your culture, your family, and your routine.

Our program holds recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), a national mark of excellence. This honor shows that we follow the latest clinical guidelines, use evidence-based education, and staff the program with qualified health professionals who place you at the center of every visit.

Why choose the Maimonides Diabetes Education Program

At Maimonides, you receive more than information. You gain a partner for your diabetes journey.

Each team member combines advanced training with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. Many hold the BC-ADM credential, which reflects high-level knowledge in complex diabetes management and technology.

Our program offers:

• ADA-recognized quality: The ADA awards recognition only to programs that meet rigorous national standards for person-centered diabetes self-management education and support.
• Deep expertise from a dedicated team: Our team includes registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES) with the advanced BC-ADM (board-certified advanced diabetes manager) credential. Together, we bring more than 45 years of combined experience in diabetes care and education.
• Focus on real life, not only lab results: We help you understand your numbers and fit diabetes care into your daily life, so you can protect your health, lower your risk for complications, and strengthen your quality of life.
• Culturally sensitive, personalized care: We serve a vibrant, diverse Brooklyn community. Our team listens closely, respects your culture and language needs, and offers care without judgment.

Culturally sensitive, person-centered diabetes education

Maimonides sits in the heart of Brooklyn, and our program reflects the community we serve. We listen first and build trust, respecting cultural and religious beliefs around food and health. We provide language-appropriate support whenever possible and offer care without judgment. We support a community where patients feel known, understood, and encouraged. You remain the expert on your life, and we bring the clinical expertise and education about diabetes. Together, we design a care plan that fits you.

Who our program serves

The Maimonides Diabetes Education Program serves adults 18 and older. We do not see pediatric patients in this program.

We support adults with:

• Type 1 diabetes: an autoimmune condition where the body stops insulin production
• Type 2 diabetes: the most common form, which causes the body to resist insulin or produce less insulin over time
• Prediabetes: higher-than-normal blood sugar that can turn into type 2 diabetes if left untreated
• Other specific types of diabetes: less common forms linked to genetic factors, pancreatic disease, or certain medications

Family members and caregivers also benefit from education, since they often help with daily care and support.

Diabetes self-management education and support

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) helps you understand diabetes and make confident choices each day. Our team tailors education to your health history, culture, learning style, and goals.

Our education and support include:

• Help understanding A1C and blood sugar targets
• Information on blood glucose monitoring and how to use your meter or device
• Goal-setting and problem-solving for common daily challenges
• Group classes with practical help for meals, everyday activities, and prevention
• Information on how your medications work, including insulin and non-insulin options
• Help making sick-day plans and travel tips
• Learning the signs, symptoms, and first steps for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Ways to lower risk for complications that affect your eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet, and heart
• Workshops that support real life challenges and create space to learn with others

Maimonides educators move at your pace and welcome every question. Our goal is for you to leave each visit with clear next steps you feel ready to use. We also provide regular follow-up, so you stay on target with your goals and your care plan feels manageable.

Medical nutrition therapy

Food choices play an important role in diabetes care. Our registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) that respects your culture, preferences, and budget.

During your nutrition visits, the RDN may help you:

• Address weight goals
• Learn how carbohydrates affect blood sugar and overall health
• Understand how to choose and balance carbohydrates throughout the day
• Learn the importance of appropriate carbohydrate intake for metabolic health
• Learn how carbohydrates can be incorporated into a healthy, balanced eating pattern
• Make informed carbohydrate choices rather than eliminating them entirely

We value your favorite foods and traditions. Your dietitian stays connected with you throughout your care and works with you to adjust recipes and habits so you can protect your health while still enjoying meals.

How our Diabetes Technology Experts support your care

Our Diabetes Technology Experts support you in using diabetes devices safely, confidently, and effectively to improve glucose management and quality of life. They provide individualized education and ongoing support for diabetes technology, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery systems, specifically by:

• Educating you on device setup, use, and troubleshooting
• Helping you understand and interpret glucose data to support informed self-management
• Collaborating with providers to optimize diabetes technology settings based on evidence-based guidelines
• Supporting transitions to new devices and technology
• Providing ongoing education to promote adherence, confidence, and long-term success
• Addressing your individual needs, preferences, literacy level, and lifestyle factors

How to access our program

Participation in this program requires a referral. New patients cannot schedule with us directly.

To join the program:

• Talk with your doctor: Ask your primary care provider or endocrinologist about a referral to the Maimonides Diabetes Education Program. Your doctor can use our special referral form for diabetes education and medical nutrition therapy.
• Your doctor sends the referral: Once we receive the referral, our team reviews it and contacts you to discuss next steps.
• Typical wait time: Most patients receive an appointment within one to two weeks.

For questions about the program, call 718-283-8505 or fax 718-635-7640.

Download our referral form (PDF)

What to expect at your first visit

At your first appointment, your educator or dietitian will:

• Review your medical history, medications, and recent lab results
• Ask about your routine, support system, and any concerns you have
• Discuss your blood sugar and A1C goals
• Help you select one or two realistic goals to focus on first
• Outline a plan for follow-up visits and ongoing support

How we support your long-term health

Diabetes care might often feel complex and stressful. The Maimonides Diabetes Education Program breaks that complexity into manageable parts and offers consistent support over time. We also help you reduce stress and feel more confident with daily decisions.

Through this program, you can:

• Build a long-term partnership with a team that knows you and cares about your future
• Gain confidence with blood glucose monitoring and medications
• Lower risk for complications and emergency visits
• Use food and activity in a way that supports health and still feels enjoyable
• Use technology as a helpful tool

Ready for extra support with your diabetes care?

If you live with diabetes or prediabetes and want more support, ask your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to refer you for diabetes education or medical nutrition therapy.

For program details, call 718-283-8505.