Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to Wellness Tips—a blog series designed to share expert health advice from Dr. Josef Schenker Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. Drawing on his extensive background in internal medicine and emergency care, Dr. Schenker offers clear, compassionate guidance to help individuals make smarter health choices every day.
In each article, you’ll find actionable tips for staying well, spotting early symptoms, and handling common health issues with confidence. Whether you’re managing everyday ailments or dealing with more serious concerns, Dr. Schenker’s insight offers the support you need to take meaningful steps toward better health.
Diabetes Prevention
Diabetes affects over 38 million people in the United States, and according to the CDC, about one in three American adults are living with prediabetes—most of whom don’t even know it. These numbers are staggering, and they highlight how vital it is to understand the condition and take action early.
But here’s the good news: diabetes is largely preventable. With the right information and some lifestyle changes, many people can avoid or delay its onset. And if you already have risk factors, prevention and early action can go a long way in keeping you healthy and avoiding serious complications down the road.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains Key Points About Diabetes
So, what is diabetes? At its core, diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. Normally, when you eat, your body breaks food down into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. Your pancreas then produces insulin, a hormone that helps your cells absorb that sugar. But in diabetes, something goes wrong in this process.
Josef Schenker, MD explains that there are several types of diabetes, each with different causes and characteristics:
- Type 1 Diabetes
This is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It often starts in childhood or young adulthood and requires lifelong insulin therapy. - Type 2 Diabetes
The most common type, often developing in adults—but increasingly seen in younger people, too. Here, the body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to elevated blood sugar over time. - Prediabetes
A warning stage where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It’s a crucial window to make changes. - Gestational Diabetes
This occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears afterward, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
These symptoms can develop gradually and may be easy to dismiss at first. That’s why awareness is key.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Prevent Diabetes
Here’s the thing—type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. According to Josef Schenker, MD, if you’re in the prediabetes stage, or if you have risk factors like being overweight or having a family history, there’s still time to change the outcome. Even if you’ve already been diagnosed, taking proactive steps can significantly slow the progression and improve your quality of life.
Below are several evidence-based ways to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes:
Eat Smart and Balanced
A healthy diet is your first line of defense. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods—think colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado. Cut back on sugary drinks, processed snacks, and foods high in saturated fat. Dr. Schenker often recommends the Mediterranean diet as a realistic and heart-healthy eating plan.
Move Your Body Daily
Regular physical activity doesn’t have to mean hours in the gym. A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week can do wonders. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar, reduce body fat, and increase insulin sensitivity. Find something you enjoy—dancing, swimming, biking—and make it part of your routine.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Even a modest weight loss of 5-7% of your body weight can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That’s just 10–15 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.
Get Regular Screenings
If you’re over 45, overweight, or have a family history of diabetes, ask your doctor about a simple blood sugar test. Identifying prediabetes early can make all the difference. Centers Urgent Care offers convenient screening options without long waits.
Manage Stress Levels
Chronic stress can interfere with how your body uses insulin. Try stress-reducing practices like deep breathing, journaling, yoga, or simply spending time outdoors. Even ten minutes a day can help.
Prioritize Sleep
Lack of quality sleep affects hormone levels that regulate hunger and blood sugar. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours per night. Consistent sleep habits can make a real impact on metabolic health.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases insulin resistance and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. Quitting may not be easy, but your body starts repairing itself almost immediately. Talk to your healthcare provider about support options.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Too much alcohol can cause spikes or drops in blood sugar, especially in people with insulin resistance. Moderation is key—limit yourself to one drink per day (for women) or two (for men).
Of course, the most important step is getting professional input. Josef Schenker, MD says that everyone’s risk factors and lifestyle are different, so having a trusted healthcare provider guide you through prevention can make a lasting difference.
Diabetes Treatment and Management
Sometimes, people only discover they have diabetes after experiencing symptoms—or even complications. In other cases, they’re diagnosed early in life and must learn how to manage the condition from the start. Either way, diabetes doesn’t have to control your life.
Dr. Josef Schenker reiterates that with proper treatment and support from healthcare professionals, it’s entirely possible to live well with diabetes and avoid serious complications. Here are the main strategies for treatment and day-to-day management:
- Medications or Insulin Therapy
Depending on the type and severity, your doctor may prescribe oral medications, insulin injections, or both. - Blood Sugar Monitoring
Regular checks help you know where your levels stand and how your body reacts to different foods, activities, or stress. - Dietary Guidance
A registered dietitian or diabetes educator can help you plan meals that support stable blood sugar while still being enjoyable. - Routine Checkups
Regular visits to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, and eye health are vital. - Staying Active
Exercise remains a key part of treatment even after diagnosis. It helps control weight and blood sugar. - Education and Support
Learning about your condition through classes or support groups helps you make informed decisions daily.
While diabetes is a lifelong condition, Dr. Josef Schenker emphasizes that it can be managed effectively. And the earlier you act, the better the outcomes.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes. While diabetes isn’t usually curable, it’s very manageable with the right approach. Through a combination of medication, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and consistent monitoring, individuals with diabetes can live full, active lives and significantly reduce their risk of complications.
When not properly managed, diabetes can result in serious health issues such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, vision loss, poor wound healing, and even stroke. Staying on top of treatment and routine checkups is crucial to prevent these potentially life-altering complications.
No, rice isn’t inherently bad, but portion size and type matter. Whole grain varieties like brown rice are better than white rice because they raise blood sugar more slowly. For better control, pair rice with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables.
Stop Diabetes Before it Starts
When it comes to diabetes, prevention is the best treatment. Taking small, consistent steps now can help you avoid the lifelong challenges that come with this condition. If you have symptoms or risk factors—like being overweight, sedentary, or having a family history—don’t wait. Getting screened and making changes today can protect your future health.
At Centers Urgent Care, our team is here to support you every step of the way. With multiple locations throughout New York City, it’s easy to get expert advice without the wait. Led by Dr. Josef Schenker, our team offers personalized care, screenings, and guidance to help you take control of your health—before diabetes takes control of you.
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.