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All in Adams -- Journey to Wellness (Diabetes Prevention Program)
31 Plays28 days ago
In honor of November as National Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re meeting with Kristen Hinkle from the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) to discuss ACHD’s free Diabetes prevention program, Journey to Wellness.
Link: https://adamscountyhealthdepartment.org/programs-services/diabetes-heart-health/diabetes-prevention/
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Transcript
Introduction to All In Adams Podcast
00:00:04
Speaker
Welcome to All In Adams, the official podcast of Adams County Government, where we're all in for our residents, our employees, and our community. So whether you live here, work here, or you just want to know more about what makes Adams County a great place to be, thanks for tuning in.
00:00:21
Speaker
We're all in, Adams.
Focus on Diabetes Awareness Month
00:00:23
Speaker
Hi there, and thank you for joining us. I'm Julie Jackson, a communications supervisor here at Adams County. I'm here with Kristen Hinkle from the Adams County Health Department, or because we're government and we like our acronyms, ACHD, as we like to call it here.
00:00:38
Speaker
So in honor of November being National Diabetes Awareness Month, over the next two podcasts, we're going to be talking about two great programs that ACHD offers that focus on diabetes.
ACHD's Diabetes Programs Overview
00:00:49
Speaker
So the first is the Journey to Wellness program, and that focuses on preventing type 2 diabetes for those who are at risk. um Interestingly enough, it also happens to be that I am in the class.
00:01:00
Speaker
um Also, the second program, which is going to be the focus of next week's episode, is Living with Diabetes, Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support, and it focuses on that diabetes management aspect.
00:01:14
Speaker
So as I mentioned, I'm currently taking the Journey to Wellness class, taking Kristen's class, actually. um i have a family history with diabetes. I know I've talked about it in class that I developed um gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my son.
00:01:29
Speaker
And because of both of those factors, I'm unfortunately at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes. So when I learned that ACHD offered a program that focused on prevention and that it was available to residents for free, i was all in.
00:01:44
Speaker
So, Kristen, it is really amazing and that you're here and to be here with you in person. um We usually see each other virtually, so it's nice to see you in person.
Understanding Diabetes
00:01:53
Speaker
nice to see you in person. Yeah.
00:01:55
Speaker
um I'm really excited to talk about these programs with you, um especially since it is National Diabetes Awareness Month. So um I think the best place for us to just kick things off um is to just kind of get an understanding of what type 2 diabetes is, why it matters, who's at risk, that type of thing.
00:02:12
Speaker
Sounds great. Yes. It's so nice to see you in person. It's it's exciting. We're always virtual. Yeah. um Yeah. So um the basics of diabetes really is that it impacts how your body uses sugar, also known as glucose, for energy.
00:02:24
Speaker
Right. And so when we normally think of the process, insulin, which is a hormone, acts a lot like a key helping sugar to enter but ah cells. um But when that process doesn't work, right, your sugar blood, hmm,
00:02:39
Speaker
Let me try again. Sugar builds up in your bloodstream, right? Which can cause all sorts of damage, not only to your blood vessels, but other parts of your body, um like your heart, ah kidneys, your eyes, your feet, even some nerve damage there. Wow.
00:02:53
Speaker
Okay. And so why is it so important for people like me who are at risk? Why is it so important to focus on prevention?
Preventive Measures for Diabetes
00:03:02
Speaker
um Because we've actually found that it's pretty effective. Research has shown um that changing lifestyle factors, things like how we eat, how we move, how we manage stress, um that that can be as effective, if not more effective than certain medications.
00:03:18
Speaker
So, yeah, it's like it's a great way to ah keep ourselves healthy. Yeah. And um I know we've talked about in class some of the stats. Like what is what does diabetes look like in Colorado? Like what are some of the stats about that? Yeah. Great question. Great question.
00:03:32
Speaker
um So let me get my numbers, make sure I've got my numbers correct. So it's estimated that one in three Coloradans are actually in that prediabetes um risk category.
00:03:44
Speaker
um which means that they are um at risk for developing type 2 diabetes in the next six years. Right. So that's where our program steps in and tries to prevent that. um It's also the number nine leading cause of death in Adams County specifically. Right. So in our county, um it's in the top 10, which is pretty significant there.
00:04:04
Speaker
um And, you know, it it can also, you know, not just thinking about death, but it can cause pain, complications, um the medical expenses that people, um you know, incur ah when they're managing diabetes is is pretty significant.
00:04:21
Speaker
And I remember you talking about that in the class and it was, you know, it was just as surprising hearing it then as it is now. Yeah. um Like those are kind of alarming about, you know, it's number nine leading cause in death. um And as scary as it sounds though, um there is some hope because we don't want to just scare everybody. um Because as we've touched on, it's preventable, right? It preventable. Yes. So let's kind of jump into the journey to
Journey to Wellness Program Details
00:04:43
Speaker
wellness. Yeah.
00:04:43
Speaker
And, you know, can you go ahead and kind of tell me about that program? Yeah, so um here in Adams County, we call our program Journey to Wellness, but nationally it's known as the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
00:04:55
Speaker
um It's a program that was developed by the CDC in 2012. And it's been around, it's been studied since that time. ah The curriculum was just recently updated in 2021.
00:05:06
Speaker
um For our program specifically, we have 24 sessions that are mapped out across the course of a year. and We start out with eight weekly sessions, ah move somewhat in the, around two months into twice a month sessions.
00:05:20
Speaker
And then we try to finish out the year with four monthly sessions. And what are some of the goals of the program? Great question. um So the goals as the curriculum outlines them is to lose five to 7% of your are starting weight.
00:05:35
Speaker
If you're at an unhealthy BMI. um Body mass index for anybody who's not familiar with acronyms. Thank you. Thank you um Yes. It's also to build an activity habit of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
00:05:50
Speaker
That's not something we ask people to start out with. It's something we work to build over the course of the year. And then if you know your A1C and it's outside of the range um of normal, ah we are aiming to lower that by 0.2%.
00:06:04
Speaker
And kind of talk to me about the setup. So I know we mentioned mine's virtual, right? Um, but there's what in-person classes and are they one-on-one or they group? What's kind of the setting? Great question. Uh, so we do group classes, right? So you get both the support of a lifestyle coach as well as the group, which I'm sure you can speak to has been really impactful.
00:06:22
Speaker
Absolutely. Yeah. It's wonderful. Um, And so, yeah, we do them virtually via Zoom. um And for people that aren't familiar with Zoom, we're happy to meet with you one-on-one, right, to offer that support. we and We know we have people with all technology technological bases back here. So we're we're happy to help make sure people can get connected with the group.
00:06:44
Speaker
and We also offer in-person classes. Right now we have them at the North Glen Rec Center um and the Thornton Active Adult Center. ah Those aren't taking registrations right now, but we are starting new programs um in January at the Adams County Government Center here in Brighton, as well as the Adams County Human Services Center in Westminster.
00:07:04
Speaker
And those are live on our website for registration
Registration Information
00:07:06
Speaker
now. Amazing. And so mentioning the website, I'm glad you said that. um I did want to kind of jump in and just share that their website is Adams County Health Department dot org. um We're going to put the link in the show notes so everybody will have access to that.
00:07:19
Speaker
um But if you're following along and you kind of want to just go check it out, if you click on programs and services and then click stay informed under diabetes and heart health, that's where you can find information about these classes.
00:07:31
Speaker
ah Thank you. And so that this program, it's been around, i think, for a while, right? Since 2012. So what has the lasting impact impact So it's been really significant.
Program Impact and Success Stories
00:07:41
Speaker
um Like I mentioned earlier, um you know, they've actually found that um it's statistically significant compared to medical interventions, right? Medications.
00:07:54
Speaker
um And so that's impactful. It also, they've shown that it reduces the um cost, medical cost for an individual for about $4,500 over two years.
00:08:06
Speaker
yeah um And the, I'm sorry, my my numbers are escaping my mind, um but it lowers the the incidence of ah diabetes or people developing diabetes by about 58%. And over the age of 60, that's 71%. So pretty significant decrease in risk.
00:08:24
Speaker
Yeah, it's amazing. That's also why I signed up And um so you're not a Lone Ranger, right? You do have a team who does help with this. Can you tell me a little bit about the team? Yes, I have a wonderful team. There's five of us.
00:08:36
Speaker
um We're all certified to teach this program. And then in addition, two of my team members are also RDs as well as certified diabetes education. Registered dietician. Yes.
00:08:47
Speaker
Oh my gosh. I don't even like acronyms. I can't believe I keep leaning into them. It's okay. Yeah. Yep. So registered dietitians and also certified diabetes educators. And you'll be speaking to one of them next week, I think on the podcast. Yeah.
00:09:01
Speaker
Well, I think we kind of covered all the topics that we want to hit about the class, but before we wrap up, I did want to take a second swap roles a little bit here. So, um, you know, since I mentioned that I do take the class, I kind of wanted to give you a little bit of a chance to interview me about what, you know, if you had any questions for me about being a participant. I love that idea. I love it.
00:09:19
Speaker
um One of the things I thought we'd start out with is just what we start out with class, right? um So are there any wins that you'd be willing to share with the community? Yeah, so I feel like um I have have lost a couple of pounds, which is very exciting.
00:09:34
Speaker
um I've also learned that um one of the big things we stress is that you know weight loss is not like a downward journey only. It's an up and down graph. um So that has been my journey so far, but it's still on the downward trend, which is amazing.
00:09:48
Speaker
um I would say this is going to sound slightly off topic, but there's it's a win for my dog um who shout out to Riverdale Animal Shelter is an RAS alum. um But he yeah he gets lots more walks now.
00:10:00
Speaker
Oh, that's wonderful. And you know, one of our other participants in our class actually adopted a dog. She did. Yes. For that reason. Yeah. So. um So, yeah. So Harvey is loving that he gets lots of extra walks right now, which is great.
00:10:12
Speaker
Um, so yeah, I mean, there's definitely been some wins and then also just, um, you know, the, the class setting, having a group, I feel like, um, not to, not to say like what you do, it's, it's very important work, but I feel like some of this is so much common sense too, right? Like there is a lot of like, we know we should eat more veggies. We know we should exercise.
00:10:32
Speaker
But having a group setting to where you can like get ideas from everybody is how many times in our class has someone been like, oh, have you plugged into chat GPT? Give me five ideas for, you know, meals using the plate method, things like that. Like it just kind of gives you the tools you need to be successful.
00:10:51
Speaker
So I think those are also some wins that that I've noticed. I love it. And yes, I always say that the the group participation is so much more important than me. Like my part, what I do. Right. And I learn from all of you all the time as well. So it's such a, it's such a great environment.
Balancing Health and Motherhood
00:11:05
Speaker
I love it. Yeah. What about challenges? Any challenges that you? Yeah. um I think the one that I always share in class that is always relevant is the fact that I am mom to a one and a half year old who is amazing, but you know, it's, um it's hard to find time. right?
00:11:20
Speaker
To like, to make the healthy meal, to make time to put or take Harvey for a walk or do those things. Um, so I think that that is always a challenge for me is finding the time, but, um, he's also a big why for me because like, obviously I want to be healthy and be around and for a long time for him. Um, I also want him to have healthy eating habits. So, um, so yeah, I think that's probably my biggest challenge is just like, just the time. Um, if, if we could have more in the day, that would be amazing.
00:11:48
Speaker
Wouldn't it? It would be amazing. Yeah, definitely. But I have to say you've really worked hard. Like you've, you know, acknowledged the challenges and then look for ways around them, which is incredible. So yeah. Good job. Thank you. What would you say?
00:12:01
Speaker
The people that are considering this program, what do you think is the most important thing they know going into it? um I think, well, I mentioned it earlier about the group aspect, right? Like giving you ideas and that is so important.
00:12:13
Speaker
But I think like, yeah I feel like you just, you don't have anything to lose, right? It's just your time. Like this is a free program that we offer to residents um and you're not losing your time. You're not wasting your time. It's important. Yeah.
00:12:26
Speaker
And I think you're going to gain so much that, um yeah, I mean, it's it's all worth it. So that's, I think, my biggest thing that I would say. That's wonderful. i'm glad it's been I'm glad it's been a good use of your time. I'm glad it's been worth it. Yeah, for sure. Awesome.
00:12:40
Speaker
Any other questions or? I don't know. i think that's it. I think we're good. Yeah. Perfect. Well, Kristen, thank you again so much for being on today and sharing all about journey to wellness. Um, it's really been a pleasure chatting with you in person this time, which is great. Um, and I've also, have you know, I've said it before I've really enjoyed the class. So I hope more people who are at risk will continue or will continue, will consider, excuse me, um, taking the class cause it's really, really well worth
Conclusion and Call for Feedback
00:13:07
Speaker
it. So, um, as I mentioned earlier,
00:13:10
Speaker
the and The link to learn more is available in our show notes, but you can also find out more information by visiting AdamsCountyHealthDepartment.org. And then thank you all for tuning in.
00:13:22
Speaker
So once again, i am Julie Jackson, Communication Supervisor here at Adams County, and we'll see you next week to talk about ACHD's Diabetes Management Program, Living with Diabetes.
00:13:33
Speaker
That's a wrap for this episode of All in Adams. Thank you for joining us as we explore the people, programs, and the policies that make Adams County a great place to live, work, and thrive.
00:13:45
Speaker
If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe and share with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know. We're all in for bringing you the stories that matter most.
00:13:56
Speaker
Until next time, take care of each other and stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and X. We're all in, Adams, and we're all in for you.