New York Diabetes Program, Inc.

It was 2002. Dr Andrew J. Drexler, known to his patients and friends as Andy, was sitting in his office in midtown Manhattan. A patient had just left, and their discussion was still troubling Andy. Why were there so few opportunities to learn how to live and thrive with Type 1 diabetes? How can the few minutes that might be dedicated to the topic during an office visit possibly be enough? A few months later, Andy created the New York Diabetes Program, Inc. (NYDP). It was incorporated in the State of New York and it received tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization from the IRS in 2005.

The mission of New York Diabetes Program, Inc. (NYDP) is to provide opportunities for education and support that are not traditionally available. Traditional medical care is not able to meet the multiple needs of individuals with diabetes to learn strategies that maximize their enjoyment of life activities and optimize their health. Nor is it able to provide practical learning opportunities for professionals interested in diabetes. Most patients lack the resources to compensate health care professionals for the non-essential services that make living with diabetes somewhat easier. Academic professional programs deal with the clinical aspects of the disease and frequently lack the opportunity to interact with patients in a meaningful manner. The NYDP aims to fill that need for education, communication and support.

The past and current activities of NYDP include publishing newsletters, arranging resource groups and in-person and virtual seminars. These various means of sharing information enable patients, their families and interested professionals to learn more about diabetes and its management. NYDP encourages people to network, and to discover strategies to live and thrive with the disease.

Andy Drexler, MD passed away in 2019 following a valiant battle against cancer. However, his foundation persists and continues to carry out his dream. All people with diabetes should have access to information and support to make their lives with diabetes as fulfilling and complication-free as possible.

Board of Directors

President of the Board: Susan Berman
Treasurer: Susan Berman
Secretary: Karen Rhodes
Member: Sonia Sotomayor

Executive Director Carolyn Robertson

NYDP Outreach

NYDP has been actively fulfilling its mission for almost two decades. Over the years, we have sponsored educational programs for people with diabetes, published several newsletters, and most recently we have formally sponsored the Strong On Insulin Group.

The Strong on Insulin Group (SOIG) is an informal social network created for adults with Type 1 diabetes. SOIG became a reality in 2010 to serve the Type 1 population in Los Angeles. It has since been expanded and now is available to any one with Type 1 Diabetes regardless of where they live. Its goal is to provide opportunities for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes and their significant others that would foster networks, enable people to learn more about living with diabetes, facilitate an understanding of the current research in the field, and expose people with T1DM to new technologies using non-traditional or less traditional strategies.

SOIG meetings have been held in public areas (libraries and other non-medical meeting spaces) and attendance is free. The format is informal with lots of opportunity for the attendees to mingle, talk and share stories. There is often a topic for the program but discussions are not limited to that topic. Guest speakers are utilized at times, and other times the evening only has a moderator. In 2019, SOIG opened its second chapter in the New York metropolitan region. Since COVID in 2020, SOIG began using virtual networks. This has allowed a much broader reach and attendees hail from Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and Israel.

WHO: To become a member, you need to have Type 1 diabetes or be someone who is a part of the Type 1 support network. Just let us know that you want to join the group.

SOIG is an open group. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes (and members of their support network) can join regardless of where they live or what diabetes team they work with.

WHY: The mission of the group is to encourage connections. The group brings together adults with Type 1 diabetes and individuals from their support network in a relaxed and comfortable setting. We provide an environment where people can share their experiences, obtain more information about living with diabetes, learn about new products and technologies, learn about new findings, new research and just have fun.

WHERE: Meetings are now occurring virtually using social media platforms such as ZOOM. Before Covid-19, face-to-face gatherings were held in the New York City area and the Los Angeles City area. In person meetings range in size from 30 to 150 people. They tend to be very interactive and people often do not want to end the meetings.

WHEN : SOIG meetings occur several times per year. The dates, times and meeting places do change. An email notice is sent to members before each event providing the details. Newsletters are distributed several times per year.

HOW: There are no fees or membership dues. The group receives its funding from the nonprofit “New York Diabetes Program, Inc."
However, we would be honored if you would contribute to the effort. You can make a tax deductible donation to the New York Diabetes Program, Inc.

Your generous donation would enable us to continue to meet the needs of individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Contact Carolyn Robertson for more information at:

carolyn.robertson@newyorkdiabetesprogram.com

Become a Member of the Strong On Insulin Group : click here

Comments from our members

“Thank you again for a wonderful seminar. I have been a type 1 for 35 years and I continue to learn so much from these meetings.”

"Thank you so much! I had no idea! This is very valuable and helpful information. There is always something new to learn. Thanks again."

"Thank you so much for last night's group about insulin and exercise. So much helpful info."

"Thanks so much for the newsletter. It's great - and I am forwarding it to people I know will find it useful."

SOIG Library

Newsletters

The New York Diabetes Program, Inc. publishes several newsletters a year. Here are the newsletters from the past few years.

2019

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 1, No. 1
Main article - Exercise and Glucose Control
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R2ilHh7-jW5YnDf7aJB1nnD6aZ_Z1uYR/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 1, No. 2
Main Article - The Key to Success: Recognizing the Patterns
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V552uaa-f8ZZ-ABEM1beIY7C44cDmT1V/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 1, No. 3
Main Article - Preventing Heart Disease
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qr75XVwvXcT4TChY5pboKFATZBKxcc3X/view?usp=sharing

2020
Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 2, No. 1
Main Articles - Keeping Healthy; Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Following the Trends
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R0pkbdJIgp3XP2mKZygGukIg31_a0-KY/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 2, No. 2
Main Article- Emergency Preparedness
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QRJlD70fcNH5uuraaceTqjdjxjBAX9oY/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 2, No. 3
Main Articles - Covid-19 , Immunizations in Adults
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QNvp-QYHSzB7D0iCCkn5QeSbYvK1YOkI/view?usp=sharing

2021
Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 3, No. 1
Main Articles - Covid -19 Update (Monoclonal Antibody Infusions) ; Insulin Resource Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QRJlD70fcNH5uuraaceTqjdjxjBAX9oY/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 3, No. 2
Main Articles - CDC Guidelines for Travel; Traveling Notes if taking Insulin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RJscmcQMYyKAYcQIz3Ia5DFrNe47Nozk/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 3, No. 3
Main Articles - CDC Guidelines for Booster Vaccinations; Evaluating On-line information; Trusted Sources of Vaccine Information.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RytK5CyGhuY8yXGMEm6W-YPol9PiCUpJ/view?usp=sharing

2022
Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 4, No. 1
Main Articles - Sick Day Guidelines, Diabetes Technologies (Smart pens, Glucagon and Automated Insulin Pumps), Covid-19 in 2022 (Antiviral medications and Monoclonal Antibody Infusions)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RYb3uDwQVEgzoIAvMAkyFgB6ZpMw_Ioz/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 4, No. 2
Main Articles : It's Spring , Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XaZIASznZ06lX-jXNzhR6Kgo_bg4RWuJ/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 4, No. 3
Main Articles : The Human Trial, Insulin and the Subcutaneous Tissue, CDC Guidelines for Boosters
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AxRGGWhi5nqBFPL2xs4A_Z4qV3pcsr_s/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 4, No. 4
Main Articles: Holiday Survival Guide, Changing Doses to Succeed
https://drive.google.com/file/d/115f30dlOV3dljK6UyoL7kPRmTj3-Ug4n/view?usp=share_link

2023
Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 5, No. 1
Main Articles: What is Off Label Prescribing, Off Label Drugs Used in Type 1 Diabetes, What is Next?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J7PRB2wwVFZ7Qnn7aPixxaHttkxS31Q4/view?usp=sharing

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 5, No. 2
Main Articles: Type One Exchange, Strike the Spike
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HHnhnQnjfF_SPIYAmwXul4hXu5eKyh3u/view?usp=sharing

2024
Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 6, No. 1

Main Articles: Happy New Year !!, The Basics of Type One Diabetes: It is not just an insulin deficiency !
https://mailchi.mp/newyorkdiabetesprogram.com/strong-on-insulin-making-strides-newsletter-jan-2024

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 6, No. 2

Main Articles: Insulin is not a Cure, The Basics of Bolus Insulin
https://mailchi.mp/newyorkdiabetesprogram.com/soig-newsletter-2024-volume-6-no-2

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 6, No. 3
Main Articles: Understanding Clinical Trials
https://mailchi.mp/newyorkdiabetesprogram.com/clinical-trials

Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 6, No. 4
Main Articles: It's Time to Stop Heart Disease
https://mailchi.mp/newyorkdiabetesprogram.com/its-time-to-stop-heart-disease

Email updates

2/9/2021 Covid-19 Vaccine available in New York State
https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=e6c6d7e8e3143911815fb1ad8&id=c50c475e81

2/12/2021 Covid-19 Vaccine eligibility for California
https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=e6c6d7e8e3143911815fb1ad8&id=fa573a57f3

3/6/2021 Pump Company Presentations
https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=e6c6d7e8e3143911815fb1ad8&id=59e6ceaae7

12/5/2021 A cure for Type 1 Diabetes ?

https://mailchi.mp/19c8ba197d71/a-cure-for-type-1-diabetes

11/19/2022 First in class medication to delay Type 1 Diabetes
https://mailchi.mp/e026016cfe30/first-in-class-medication-to-delay-type-1-diabetes
8/15/2023 Clinical Trial for T1DM over 60yrs.
https://us4.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=16909543
10/10/2023 Fall Message from the NYDP President
https://mailchi.mp/3dc5b90df2f3/fall-message-from-the-president-of-new-york-diabetes-program

12/21/2023 End of the Year Message
https://mailchi.mp/2c7978b90000/end-of-the-year-message

2/5/2024 Levemir is being discontinued.
https://mailchi.mp/newyorkdiabetesprogram.com/i-need-your-help

9/12/2024 Latest News about T1D Cell Therapy Innovations
https://mailchi.mp/newyorkdiabetesprogram.com/latest-news-about-t1d-cell-therapy-innovations

Educational Presentations (recorded live on Zoom)

2020

Covid 19 and Diabetes

Presented March 2020

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ElMQG4a63oP2n-NqR5l-0mNBNj3h2Zwd/view?usp=sharing

Diabetes Management During a Disaster
Presented April 2020
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QfvSbtU86POdTOyh-Cvm6Kow_JKP1GHI/view?usp=sharing

Exercising With Type 1 Diabetes
Presented June 2020
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BXoz4u6Iv4pf-GbBedVdF7kg4Iqn74jh/view?usp=sharing

Blood Sugar Spikes: The Why and How To Manage Them
Presented August 2020
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tcSfwZJ8wMYYmIaP1kFUBZgWbTTlSiIG/view?usp=sharing

Time in Range and Update Covid-19
Presented December 2020
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17ebi5oUonFRYDy5HuE4__6eS-T-le-1C/view?usp=sharing

_______________________________________

2021
Balanced Eating for Balanced Blood Sugar Levels & Covid-19 Update
Presented January 2021
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHLPOJYQfNsRkHHFVDR4EI0lZeOCOzsz/view?usp=sharing

Understanding and Managing the Emotional Burden of Type One Diabetes

Presented April 2021
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i53pmknj5o2ZHhCJAkz2P2jjR8rvQg6y/view?usp=sharing

_________________________________________________________________

2022

Today and Tomorrow in Diabetes Technologies and More

Presented August 2022
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1luAGeMZ_S_rIBqd7j8FZPCHvRHZrC487/view?usp=sharing

Tandem Control IQ - How to Increase Time in Range

Presented October 2022
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10L1gISA4lNHl2mOhsVKkE6qE8Ri4RnzN/view?usp=share_link

Insulet Omnipod 5 - How to Increase Time in Range

Presented October 2022
https://drive.google.com/file/d/116lVfFbIye30zFLYQVZafeZku885sc3b/view?usp=share_link
_______________________________________________________________
2023

It is Time to Strike the Highs!

Presented June 2023
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MTy96L7rIZ9digZ86QWlrfjF8AP2AT-q/view?usp=sharing
_______________________________________________________________________
2024

Dialogue for people who manage their diabetes with insulin injections
Presented January 2024
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hoswTvIwd-APmrx3qxJWgI13NcXb4dNM/view?usp=sharing

Lipids, Diabetes and CVD
Presented May 2024
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTLhixF2ZZzBbPqeH1H3kp3RYZIvYqeZ/view?usp=sharing

Contact Information

Carolyn Robertson is the Executive Director of the New York Diabetes Program,Inc. Carolyn is an advanced practice nurse (Clinical Nurse Specialist - Board Certified) and the founder of Customized Diabetes Education. She is passionate about helping people to live and thrive with diabetes. She coordinates the activities of the New York Diabetes Program, Inc. and spearheads the activities of the Strong On Insulin Group.

To learn more about either the New York Diabetes Program, Inc. or the Strong On Insulin Group, please contact Carolyn Robertson via email: carolyn.robertson@newyorkdiabetesprogram.com

Our Mailing Address is:
New York Diabetes Program, Inc.
163 Amsterdam Ave. #1244
New York, NY 10023

Click here to make a donation

Tax-Deductible Donations

We would be honored if you would like to support the efforts of the New York Diabetes Program, Inc. and the Strong on Insulin Group. All newsletters, seminars and program are offered at no cost to the attendees. Your tax-deductible donation would help assure that we can continue to offer high quality, sensitive and comprehensive information, and provide support to our community.

For more information, please contact Carolyn Robertson via email:
carolyn.robertson@newyorkdiabetesprogram.com

or via traditional mail to

Carolyn Robertson
New York Diabetes Program, Inc.
163 Amsterdam Ave. # 1244
New York, NY 10023

The content of this website (including any links herein) is not intended to, nor should it be considered by users as, medical advice. It is provided for reference and educational purposes only. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any specific individual’s medical condition. The New York Diabetes Program, Inc., and/or Carolyn Robertson assume no duty to correct or update information included in this website, nor to resolve or clarify any inconsistent information that might be contained herein. The content should not be used to make a medical diagnosis or to replace or overrule a qualified health provider’s judgment. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical provider for medical advice, regardless of anything read on this website. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship (or other medical professional-patient relationship).

Users assume full responsibility for using the information on this website, and by using the website, you understand and agree that Carolyn Robertson and/or the New York Diabetes Program are not responsible or liable for any claim, loss or damage resulting from its use by you or any other user.

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Carolyn.robertson@newyorkdiabetesprogram.com