Your Type 2 Diabetes Prescription Might Be in the Produce Aisle

NEW MILFORD, NJ – For many, a type 2 diabetes diagnosis once felt like a daunting life sentence of dietary restrictions and medication. But a growing movement is shifting that perspective, empowering patients to find their best medicine not at the pharmacy, but in the grocery store. This "Food is Medicine" approach was on full display at a recent cooking demonstration, offering a taste of hope and practical skills for managing diabetes.

On what was World Diabetes Day, Friday, November 14, 2025, the team from Hackensack Meridian Health’s Molly Diabetes Education and Management Center and the Inserra Family Diabetes Institute joined forces with dietitians from Inserra Supermarkets. The event, held at the New Milford ShopRite, brought together patients, caregivers, and community members to learn how delicious, healthy eating can be a primary tool in the fight against diabetes.

Among the attendees was Susan, a person with Type 2 diabetes who, along with her husband, watched intently as dietitians prepared a menu of vibrant, fall-inspired dishes. The aroma of a hearty Sweet Potato Pumpkin Turkey Chili, savory Brussels Sprouts with Oranges, and a warm Almond Pear Crisp filled the air, proving that a diabetes-friendly diet is far from bland or boring. These dishes, perfect for the season and even a Thanksgiving table, showcased how accessible and satisfying healthy cooking can be.

“I was diagnosed with diabetes about 10 years ago but it’s still not easy,” says Susan who really enjoyed learning about new dishes that she would enjoy while managing her blood sugar naturally.
The Molly Center, a part of Hackensack University Medical Center, has long been a proponent of this evidence-based approach. Their team teaches that specific healthy foods and consistent eating patterns can be as effective as medication in managing blood glucose levels. This philosophy is about empowerment, not deprivation. Instead of solely focusing on what to eliminate, patients learn which foods actively benefit their bodies.

This educational outreach is a cornerstone of the collaboration between the health system and Inserra Supermarkets, which has a history of supporting diabetes research and community wellness. The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute, established in 2021, further solidifies this commitment by integrating patient care, research, and community outreach.

Beyond one-time demonstrations, these organizations provide ongoing support. They host grocery store tours where patients learn practical skills like reading nutrition labels and making smart shopping choices—skills that are crucial for long-term success. The goal is to give individuals the confidence to navigate the grocery aisles and their own kitchens with ease.

The impact of this approach is significant. Patients of the Molly Center have successfully managed their condition, with some even putting their type 2 diabetes into remission through these learned lifestyle changes. This offers a powerful message of hope, especially as the International Diabetes Federation projects a continued rise in diabetes cases globally.

During Diabetes Awareness Month this November, the "Food is Medicine" movement serves as a critical reminder that managing type 2 diabetes can begin with a simple, yet powerful, choice in the produce aisle.

For more information or an interview contact: mary.mcgeever@hmhn.org.