Managing type 2 diabetes is not just about taking medicine—it’s about making daily choices that support your health and having the right team behind you. At Raymond Lau F.M.P.C., located in the heart of Chinatown, our clinic works closely with patients and families to provide personal, affordable, and culturally sensitive care. As part of the NYU Langone Health network, we help you understand your condition and take steps to feel better—one day at a time.
Here are 10 important ways we help you manage your diabetes and live a healthier life.
1. Free Screenings to Detect and Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Early
Many people don’t realize they have type 2 diabetes until it becomes a serious health problem. That’s why we offer free screenings at our clinic. These quick tests measure your blood glucose levels and body mass index (BMI), which helps identify whether you’re at risk for diabetes or already have it.
We especially encourage Asian Americans to get screened, as research shows they can develop diabetes even at lower BMIs. Early detection helps us begin treatment before complications arise like nerve damage or vision problems.
2. Helping You Enroll in Medicaid and Access Affordable Care
Healthcare should be accessible to everyone, and that includes understanding and signing up for the right health insurance. If you don’t have coverage, our clinic staff will help you enroll in Medicaid or other programs like Child Health Plus.
These insurance plans cover many services like doctor visits, medications, glucose test strips, and even diabetes education classes. Our team will walk you through the process and help you choose the best Medicaid Managed Care plan for your needs.
3. Creating Personalized Diabetes Management Plans
No two patients are the same, so your diabetes care plan shouldn’t be either. Once you’re diagnosed, we work with you to build a personalized diabetes management plan. This includes:
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How and when to take your insulin or medications
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How to use a glucose meter to check your blood sugar at home
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Setting small, realistic health goals
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Providing a list of healthy foods you can enjoy daily
Your plan is developed in partnership with your primary care physician (PCP) and adapted to your cultural background, food habits, and schedule.
4. Building Your Support System with a Multidisciplinary Care Team
Managing diabetes takes a team. At our Chinatown clinic, you’ll have access to a care team made up of different experts, including:
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Primary care doctors who manage your overall health
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Registered dietitians to help with meal planning
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Diabetes educators who teach you how to use your blood sugar monitor, take insulin, and manage stress
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Behavioral health professionals for support with mild to moderate depression or substance use disorder, which often affect people with chronic conditions
We believe in treating the whole person, not just the disease.
5. Education Programs That Teach You to Manage Your Diabetes Daily
Living with diabetes means making informed choices every day. Our clinic provides Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) classes where you can learn:
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What causes diabetes and how it affects your body
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How to count carbs and read food labels
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Ways to stay active even with a busy schedule
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How to deal with low or high blood sugar emergencies
These classes follow American Diabetes Association and Centers for Disease Control guidelines. They are available in English or Spanish, and we also offer help for family members or caregivers who want to learn how to support you.
6. One-on-One Nutrition Counseling That Works for You
What you eat has a big impact on your blood sugar levels. That’s why our clinic offers individual nutrition counseling. Our registered dietitians create meal plans that include nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods—like how to prepare lower-carb versions of traditional Chinese or Asian dishes.
We also help you understand diet and exercise and how they affect your glucose levels, energy, and mood.
7. In-Home Visits and Community Health Support
We know getting to the clinic isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer in-home visits for high-risk patients—especially seniors or those with mobility issues. A nurse or health worker can check on you, refill prescriptions, and answer your questions.
We also connect patients to community health programs, such as fitness groups, food pantries, or health workshops held right here in Chinatown. These programs help you stay engaged, active, and supported.
8. Tools to Monitor Your Blood Glucose and Stay in Control
Controlling your blood sugar is key to avoiding complications. Our care team teaches you how to use a glucose meter, track your results, and understand what the numbers mean. We also help set up easy-to-follow action plans to adjust your food or medicine if your levels are too high or too low.
We’ll show you how to develop a routine so monitoring your sugar becomes part of your daily life, not a burden.
9. Specialized Referrals When You Need Advanced Help
Sometimes you need more than routine care. If your condition becomes complicated, we’ll refer you to top diabetes specialists at the Joslin Diabetes Center or NYU Langone Health. This includes help with:
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Type 1 diabetes
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Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
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Diabetic foot care, eye exams, or kidney monitoring
We also help coordinate your appointments, ensure your health plan covers the visits, and support you through every step.
10. Physical Activity and Wellness Programs to Keep You Moving
Exercise is a powerful way to control your blood sugar, reduce stress, and feel better overall. Our clinic offers moderate exercise programs like walking groups, tai chi classes, or strength training, customized to your age and fitness level.
We also provide coaching to help you start slowly and build up over time. If you’re concerned about your BMI, especially as it relates to BMI for Asian standards, we’ll help you create a plan that works for you.
Bonus: We Support Families, Too
Diabetes care isn’t just about the patient—it involves the whole family. We offer support groups and educational materials for caregivers, helping them understand how to assist with meal prep, medication reminders, and emotional support.
We encourage family involvement in your treatment plan, making it easier to stick with healthy routines at home.
Why the Raymond Lau Chinatown Clinic Is Right for You
At Raymond Lau F.M.P.C., we understand the unique challenges that people in Chinatown face—from language barriers to limited access to healthcare. That’s why we provide respectful, affordable, and expert care for those living with diabetes mellitus and related health conditions.
With our integrated approach—including education and support, a focus on self-care, and strong connections to community resources—we help you manage your diabetes, not let it manage you.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health? Enroll Today
Your health is too important to wait. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, we’re here to help. Visit our clinic to get screened, enroll in Medicaid, and create a care plan that fits your life.
Let us help you better manage your condition and build a future full of energy, movement, and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if I have type 2 diabetes?
Common signs include frequent thirst, blurry vision, tiredness, and going to the bathroom often. We offer free screenings to check your blood glucose and help you find answers quickly.
2. What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults and requires insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common and often linked to weight, age, or family history. It can sometimes be managed with diet and exercise alone.
3. Is everything covered by Medicaid?
Most services—like doctor visits, medications, blood sugar meters, and education classes—are covered under Medicaid Managed Care plans. We’ll help you understand what’s included.
4. Can you help if I speak Chinese or Spanish?
Yes! Our staff speaks several languages, and we provide education and materials in both English or Spanish to ensure clear understanding.
5. What makes your clinic different?
We’re part of your community. Our team understands your culture, your food, and your family values. We offer personalized, respectful care that helps you succeed in managing your diabetes.
