In recognition of American Diabetes Month, the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center sponsored a two-mile walk at Williamsbridge Oval Park on Nov. 3.

Dr. Steven M. Safyer, the hospital’s president and CEO, and Rita Louard, director of the diabetes center kicked off the walk by stressing the importance of raising awareness of the disease in the Bronx, which has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country.

“We live in a borough with many economic challenges,” said Safyer, adding that combating diabetes in the Bronx is really a 12-month effort. “In many bodegas what you see is sugar products everywhere. When you have that as a food source and introduce it to children, you are doing a disservice to them.”

Diabetes specialists, patients, and the local community were all encouraged to attend the walk and make the commitment to be physically active since it is one of the best ways to prevent and combat the disease.

Deborah Cleary used to live in the area and was attending a doctor’s appointment when she heard about the walk and immediately decided to attend.

“My best friend is currently waiting for her fourth kidney transplant,” said Cleary. “It is hard to see someone so young battle such a terrible disease. That is why people really need to stay active nowadays. With electronics it is very easy to forget.”

Approximately 4,000 patients are treated at the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore every year. The facility is among a handful of centers recognized by the American Diabetes Association for excellence.

Montefiore has hosted several walk/run events including a walk for teens last month in celebration of Physical Therapy Month and to benefit B’N Fit, another Montefiore program. The event was also created to generally encourage the importance of an active lifestyle.

“We’ve got to get the Bronx moving,” said Althea Shepardson, a diabetes specialist at Montefiore. “Two miles, 10,000 steps, are all it takes.”