Podcast Summary: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Guest: Dr. Isaac Sachmechi, MD, Director of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens
Host: Laura Deardo
Date: December 10, 2025
Topic: Advancing Diabetes Care and Innovation at the Diabetes Center of Excellence

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights Dr. Isaac Sachmechi and the Diabetes Center of Excellence at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. The conversation explores the Center’s innovative, comprehensive approach to diabetes care for one of the most diverse and high-risk populations in New York City, with special focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, research, new technologies, and future advancements in diabetes management.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Diabetes Center of Excellence

• Recognition & Role
  • The Center is recognized by the American Diabetes Association and plans to seek further pre-recognition in 2026.

    “We have Diabetes center of Excellence and I'm the director of Diabetes center of Excellence.” — Dr. Sachmechi [00:39]

  • Has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Queens, serving a highly diverse patient base.

    “The highest rate of prevalence of diabetes in Queens is about 13%, more than even the New York City area.” — Dr. Sachmechi [01:05]

• Comprehensive, Team-Based Approach
  • Multidisciplinary team includes four physicians, two nurse practitioners, a nutritionist, and a diabetes educator.
  • Integrates care with nearby ophthalmology and podiatry clinics for early detection of complications.

2. Addressing Obesity and Diabetes Together

• 80% of patients are overweight or obese; the Center provides intensive weight and nutritional management as part of diabetes care.
• Focus on patient education and access to diabetes education classes.
• Uses best-in-market therapies and technology, including continuous glucose monitoring and, when possible, insulin pump therapies.

3. Holistic Patient Management

• Comprehensive management includes attention to blood glucose, hypertension, and lipid levels.
• Streamlined referrals:
  • Ophthalmology for diabetic eye disease.
  • Podiatry for wound and foot care—common issues in this population.
• Strong emphasis on empowering and educating patients.

4. Research and Clinical Innovation

• Active clinical research unit conducts Phase 3 and 4 industry-sponsored trials.

  “We are running phase three, phase four clinical studies that's sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.” — Dr. Sachmechi [04:53]

• Research topics include:
  • Management of weight and obesity in diabetes.
  • Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia.
• Offers patients access to cutting-edge treatments through clinical trial participation.

5. Outcomes and Benchmarks

• Outcome data from Dr. Sachmechi’s Center compares favorably with the nationally renowned Joslin Clinic.

  “We compare our outcome data to Joslin Clinic…we are very, very comparable…in terms of achieving Delta A1C reduction and improving quality of care.” — Dr. Sachmechi [06:19]

6. Future Directions & Exciting Innovations

• Technology:
  • Expansion of continuous glucose monitoring.
  • Moves toward autonomous insulin delivery systems (advanced insulin pumps).
• Emerging medications:
  • Combination hormone therapies (GLP-1, GIP, amylin, glucagon) expected to provide better weight reduction and glycemic control, particularly beneficial for overweight or obese Type 2 diabetics.

    “There are…medications that will most likely will be approved…that making combination of hormones like GLP1, gipsy, amylin and glucagon…promising in terms of getting better reduction of weight in this diabetes population…” — Dr. Sachmechi [07:57]

7. Advice for Healthcare Professionals

• Education:
  • Prioritize educating patients on diabetes, complications, and weight management as foundational aspects of therapy.
• Holistic focus:
  • Center care around the patient and give them practical tools toward weight loss, blood pressure, glycemic, and lipid control.

    “…put the patient in the center of the therapy and provide them the tools that they can use really to achieve these goals.” — Dr. Sachmechi [09:15]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On prevalence and diversity:

  “The highest rate of prevalence of diabetes in Queens is about 13%, more than even the New York City area.” — Dr. Sachmechi [01:05]

• On advancing care through comprehensive services:

  “We try to use the best modalities of therapy that [are] available…for management of diabetes…we have a nutritionist, we have diabetes educator.” — Dr. Sachmechi [01:43]

• On research and quality:

  “We compare our outcome data to Joslin Clinic…we are very, very comparable…in terms of achieving Delta A1C reduction and improving quality of care.” — Dr. Sachmechi [06:19]

• Future optimism:

  “…autonomous insulin delivery system…will really help us to really better take care of patient with diabetes who [are] requiring insulin. That's fantastic.” — Dr. Sachmechi [07:57]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:39 – 03:47: Overview of Center’s staff, services, and patient population
• 04:53 – 05:48: Clinical research activity and innovation
• 06:19 – 07:23: Benchmarks, outcome data, and comparison to Joslin Clinic
• 07:43 – 08:55: Future trends, new technology, and medication pipeline
• 09:15 – 10:09: Advice for healthcare professionals on patient-centered care

Closing Thoughts

Dr. Sachmechi’s interview demonstrates a forward-thinking, patient-centered approach to diabetes care—inclusive of research, technology, multidisciplinary teamwork, and a vision for future growth. His commitment to innovation, outcomes, and community needs sets a powerful example for diabetes care delivery.