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.
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
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
Strong On Insulin - Making Strides Volume 6, No. 5
Main Articles: Holiday Survival Guide
https://mailchi.mp/newyorkdiabetesprogram.com/soig-newsletter-fall-17451150
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
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