 from our studios of think tech Hawaii in downtown Honolulu and my home office in Makiki. Today, we welcome back the American Diabetes Association with development manager Amber Burgos. Welcome Amber. Hi, thank you guys for having me. Yeah, we're great. We're grateful that you're here to share updates and where we're at with American Diabetes here in Hawaii. So before we get started, Amber, can you just tell us a little bit about yourself? Yeah, sure, I'd love to. So I am, as Wendy mentioned, the development manager. So my role between American Diabetes Association and Hawaii is to really be the bridge that shares the mission to eliminate diabetes and all of its burdens. So I was actually born and raised on Maui where I saw my grandma herself struggle with diabetes and this really inspired me to align with this mission and help more people in Hawaii. Wow, so they got the right person because you're passionate about it. I can hear it in your voice. You're directly affected as a lot of us are. But back in the day, people wouldn't talk about it. It was kind of a shh, kind of idea. But the more we shed light on it, the more people can realize it and they come out of the closet, so to speak, and share what they're going through and then they allow you all at the American Diabetes to help them get through this. So what does diabetes look like in our island, Amber? Diabetes is so prevalent in Hawaii. Just statistically, one out of two people in our islands are affected by diabetes, whether it be diabetes itself or pre-diabetes. And unfortunately, this number is actually rapidly growing with over 10,000 new cases of diabetes being diagnosed every year. And not only is this a burden on health, but it tends to be a burden on all aspects of life, especially financially, because those with diabetes actually have 2.3% higher medical expenses than those without. And in Hawaii, this costs us $1.5 billion. So you can imagine what a huge number that is and how much of a burden this really is in Hawaii on our people. Wow, that is a big burden. I mean, I remember when we first, I got started on the board, it was like about 14 years ago. And we were just like you on a mission, on a mission, but we just got to work harder and are smarter, maybe harder and smarter together because the numbers are growing and it's really sad. And people really have to, the light bulb has to go on everyone. And I believe, Amber, you have a great job of being the switch. You have to be the one to turn on that light bulb so that they can realize that they can do this, but they need the tools. And that's where you guys come in from the American Diabetes Association. So how does the ADA spread awareness about diabetes in the community? So one way we spread awareness is by really pushing out our diabetes risk test. So one of the issues, of course, is a lack of education about it. People may just not know on the top of their head their symptoms of diabetes. I mean, I'm sure most people don't. So we really try to push out this risk test so people can really measure where they would be at. And we really push out at different community affairs like health affairs. We also do at different conferences. So what this is, it's a very accessible, very easy, very quick test anyone can take on their mobile phone. And we usually just have them scan it with their QR code, but they can also go to our website to view it as well. So this just layouts is someone's at a low, high or medium risk of having diabetes. And I saw in front of my eyes, so many people are surprised to see that they're at a high risk. But of course, we have all the resources they need at our booth right in front of them to respond to that and get the resources and education they need to lower that risk. Wow. And you know, guys out there, it is a simple test and it doesn't take a few minutes, but a few minutes. And when you fill it out, yes, like Amber says, their face is like, oh, I didn't know, or oh my gosh, what do I do now, right? And so that's the whole idea. Getting to take that simple stress test and a diagnosis of where they are at. And like you said, you now have all that information in packets or you guys are live physical at the booth. And that's why you're out there in the community sharing this information. So I think we have to get more arms to grab people in to come to the booth so that they can take the test and then you can give them the education. So, you know, Amber, are people receptive to the information when they realize, yes, they're at high risk? Are they willing to listen or do they say, no, no, no, no, no, I'll talk to my doctor and walk away. What do you feel? Well, it's interesting. I feel like they're always receptive. I mean, because like I said, a lot of people don't really think about it, about measuring the risk. So of course they're alarmed, you know, when they instantly see it and their mind instantly goes to, how can I lower this now, you know? So like I said, on top of that, they know we are a very credible, you know, resource for this information. And a lot of what we hand out is very detailed and it's very easy to follow for them. So, yes, they are very relieved to see all the resources in front of them and to be able to follow that. And that's important that you guys have that all right there. And then plus people like you who are passionate about it, you know, you're gonna just capture their attention and then capture their hearts. And that's when they're more receptive to all of this. So Amber, outside of the risk test, what else does the ADA do in the community to prevent diabetes? So we kind of touched on it on our education resources, but I just wanna just go a bit deeper and explain further about it. So we really believe at the ADA that education is going to be key to preventing diabetes. So not only do we have such an array of resources from nutrition resources, exercise resources, emotional resources to aid to really guide people with diabetes, but we also give out, you know, a library of pamphlets and different information that people can actually obtain online by going to professionalpointdiabetes.org. So this just allows them to search any topic related to diabetes they want and those see a library of educational resources they can really refer to. And not only this, but it's also in different languages. So one we have featured is Tagalog. You can see that in the right. On top of that, if people want a more personal touch, let's say you're not a community market and you're just looking on your laptop for these resources, you can also call 1-800-diabetes who can directly recommend those for you as well as send some to your actual address. So, you know, so many are already diagnosed and living with diabetes. How does the ADA support those already diagnosed and out there, some of them are struggling. Some of them are not even informed at all or some of them don't want to be informed. How do you reach that? Yeah, so as you can imagine upon being diagnosed with type two diabetes, your instant reaction is to be like, where do I start? It's very overwhelming, you know? There's so many different assets of your life you have to change. But what we offer to people with type two is actually our e-book like program which is designed specifically to give people with type two diabetes this guidance they need to really thrive and make better decisions to really make sure they're going to be healthy. So this program is actually completely free and it's accessible to anyone with internet. And once you log on and sign up for it, you can receive pamphlets that cover topics like food and nutrition, stress and emotions, physical activity, and even staying on track which is a very important aspect of it all as well. On top of that, you also will have access to our monthly newsletter and ask the experts Q&A. So this is a program where you can actually submit questions to different endocrinologists and they'll review it and give you the answers you may need and might not have accessible to you day to day. So all of this is for completely free. And again, it's just a way to guide those who may have type two diabetes. Wow. And so, you know, you offer them all this education, information, resources, and all of that. But I think the key right now is what resources does the ADA have for nutritional education? Oh, yeah. And this program itself that I'm going to be going into is not just for those with diabetes, it's for anyone who wants to eat healthy. So it's called our Diabetes Food Hub. So this is actually a website that allows you to just browse recipes. So let's say you're like, tonight I want stir fry. And it's going to generate results that give you healthy, diabetes safe options for the recipe you searched up. Not only this, but it lays out things like the time to cook, the different ingredients you're going to need. So you can actually filter them by these assets. So if you only have 10 minutes to cook your stir fry, you can just directly search that up. Not only this, but it also allows you to generate grocery lists based on the ingredients. So this just takes it a step further to making sure you can really execute healthy eating and just really making it easier for everyone while giving them the array of choices they may want. Wow. So it's all out there. It's just a matter of them saying, yes, I'm diabetic. Yes, I need help. And thank you for the help. I will source your resources. And so that's the whole idea, right? Is getting them to receive it and get involved with it. So I was wondering, is there a support team to hold the diabetic community accountable? A support team to hold the diabetic team. I'm sorry, can you elaborate on that question for me, please? So say the Sally was diagnosed with diabetes and I met some people and they said, hey, I asked him, so what's your lifestyle? Like, has it changed since the diagnosis? And they said, no. I said, well, why not? And they said, oh, I don't know where to start. I said, well, I'm sure they assigned you a team around you like a nutritionist, a dietitian, endocrinologist, et cetera. But now some of them just won't go or they'll say they'll go, but they don't do anything. But not do it. And so how do we hold them accountable for taking the steps that you guys provide for them? That's a great question. Well, I think one of the steps into making sure they're really held accountable is to be surrounded by people with a similar condition at them, so those with diabetes. So they can all be on the same track as them. So with that being said, we really do try to unite the community and create this sense of unity. Actually at our camp, which we'll go more into later, all of the parents ended up joining a support group based with our medical professionals at camp together. So there's definitely ways in which, to hold people accountable by just really uniting with one another. Wow, and I feel that the energy is right now with you and your passion. I'm sure all things are possible and you're making it a greater environment to be in versus something that is so mysterious and scary, especially for the newly diagnosed. So congratulations to you, Amber. I love your knowledge and your enthusiasm. So keep it up because that's how you get the information into people's hearts and bodies and families. And that's what is so needed because we need to make a change. So how does the ADA help always medical professionals? Oh yeah, sure. So yeah, not only do we try to help our community, but we also try to target the very systems that are impacting those for diabetes. And of course, as you guys can imagine, it's the medical systems major player in that. We do this in multiple ways, but the one I actually want to shine light on today because I think it's very relevant, especially to Hawaii healthcare professionals is our diabetes's primary program. So the purpose of this program is to really make sure that our healthcare providers are receiving the most up-to-date information surrounding best practices for those with diabetes, as well as diabetes related technology. Because this is very difficult for our primary care providers to keep up with everywhere in America, just because everything is just so rapidly changing. So the American Diabetes Association acknowledges it and in response have created this system of modules, which are diabetes professionals and just general primary care professionals can take that layout, various topics related again to best practices for those with diabetes. And the incentive here is once they take this, they actually can receive credits to renewing their different licenses. So it really makes sure that they can spend their time getting this renewal while also spending their time getting most up-to-date information surrounding diabetes, and thus make for healthier patients that are really receiving the care they deserve. Wow. So it's a food service, food team. You've got the ADA, not just mentoring and educating the community or the diagnosed diabetic, but also the medical professional who can provide the support team that you guys are encouraging. Sometimes left hand doesn't talk to the right hand. And so you guys might want this, but they have no idea or time or they don't have programs to implement, but I'm sure that they can come along your side, the ADA, and I'm sure that you guys will build together. And the main purpose is to better the awareness of the patient towards wellness. And so it takes a team. It really, truly takes a whole team. So how does ADA help with Hawaii's Keiki that are diagnosed with diabetes? Yeah, that's a wonderful question because this is really one of the main pillars of the American Diabetes Association. It's helping children with diabetes. So we start at school really. So we actually have this program called Safe at School, which is a seminar conference, which is hosted by a lot of Hawaii medical professionals. And the purpose of this is to make sure that our schools in Hawaii are really abiding by the laws that are set in place to make sure students with diabetes do not face discrimination or not challenged in the learning environment and can really thrive in the school setting. So this year, we actually hosted this conference and featured someone named Maximum Speed, who himself is a child with diabetes, who is also an athlete. So we really got to hear his perspective as a child in school, how to really solidify children's safety in school from Hawaii's medical professionals. And additionally, his parents. So how to, you know, feel safe and calm while your child is at school. So it's just an all-encompassing way to make sure that our Kiki are going to be safe at school in Hawaii. Wow, and I've always loved that name, Max Speed, you know? And with the help of the ADA, even despite the fact of the diagnosis of Max, he can still be, you know, and reach the Max Speed because nothing's gonna stop him. And this is so key. And maybe the parents, the name came to him because he will be a messenger and a messenger of hope for the diabetic child growing into the youth, growing into the diabetic adult that nothing should stop and you should continue life with the full trust like everyone else. So I know that in Hawaii, we had many, for many years, a Kiki camp for the diabetic Kiki. And then it stopped and I know it's up and running again and very excitedly running with a lot of success. So can you share with me a bit about camp Hey Oloke Kiki this year? Yeah, I'd love to. So yeah, camp was previously paused because of COVID. But yeah, this year we actually had our camp and just to give more background, you know, kids with type one diabetes are really, you know, up against a lot of obstacles. For one, you know, being child in Hawaii in such a small-knit community, you can feel really isolated having something like diabetes, not having friends who have it. It's not gonna be very common. Additionally, having to always monitor the physical symptoms of what you're eating. It's really, you know, extra experiences. Someone without diabetes may not have to go through. So the purpose of this camp is to, A, help them better manage their diabetes and, you know, really help them improve their communication skills. And in addition to that, we really want to make sure they're bonding with other kids who may have diabetes. Forming friendships with people who, you know, on some level can really understand them. And so we actually had our camp this year, as I mentioned, and it was wonderful because we're coming out of COVID, we actually had to switch the format a bit. So we invited parents and guardians to attend as well. And this just added an extra layer of, you know, benefits for them too. So at the camp, these children got to participate in about four hours of physical activity a day. They were completely monitored by a staff of medical professionals. And yeah, I even myself got to see kids being like, well, I finally found a friend who truly understands what I'm going through, which was really touching. And on another level, the parents themselves had moments where they would get into groups just to share their vulnerabilities. And they all ended up shedding the tear because, you know, something that's easy to overlook is how stressful, you know, having a child with diabetes can be on the parent and how much anxiety that can create for them. So they got to really, you know, find a community of people who understand what they're going through as well and share tips and how they match things. And like I mentioned earlier, they all ended up joining a support group together. So yeah, this camp definitely, you know, accomplishes goals. And on top of that, what was unique is that it was the only camp in America that was 100% free for everyone to attend. And that was all because of the generosity of the Lions come up Hawaii. So shout out to them. That was just amazing to see. Wow. Yeah. And that is so key. I want you to touch upon, you know, real quickly, what is the life of a diabetic child? Because people don't know the situation of a diabetic child about the sugars and how they can drop and, you know, pump up and go down and up and down. People don't understand that. They just think, oh, diabetic, you can't have sugar and you'll be fine. You know, so just real quickly touch upon the day in a life of a diabetic child. Yeah, sure. So what I always say is having, you know, diabetes as a child is no easy feat at all. So you constantly have to be aware of the physical activity you're undergoing. And based on that, you have to constantly be, you know, very attentive to the physical symptoms you're experiencing on top of that, you know. In addition, you're going to have to really keep track of what you're eating. So it's a lot of attention to detail. It's a lot of, you know, pressure to really make sure you are being careful with the way you're moving, which, you know, as a child who wants to be free and just let loose and do all sorts of things, it can be really difficult. And again, it can be very isolating. That's a huge thing. It can be very isolating and lead to depression just because, you know, if you're the only child in your class with diabetes, maybe you can't participate or eat things your friends are eating in. Yeah, that feeling can really, you know, manifest negative ways. So a program like this where they can really find friends and, you know, connect with them years on and talk about their experiences really, you know, eliminates those feelings of difference and adds them up to be. And then, you know, that question, why me or, you know, it's why me, right? And so they feel isolated, like you said, and then yes, it can cause to a lot of psychological issues because they can't do other things, you know, or kids don't understand why they can't. And they just say, you know, they get bullied. And so, you know, I even heard from a football player and he was truly a diabetic and adult. I think it was a type one, but he would have to, every time he went on the field and he was playing for NFL and every time he went on the field, he'd have to come off and his coaches would have to check his sugars, you know, because of the activity and what he had eaten previously, but he would be constantly going off on and off the field and the coaches get a great staff around him because they were very aware. And I guess he was so valuable, a bull player that they really gave him that intention that he needed to manage his diabetes on the field and did a fabulous job. So people, it's like a hidden disease. And, you know, when you got to get your insulin or your pills, it's not out there, like you don't have to take seven weeks of chemo. You just have to quietly go to the side, get your insulin into your body, get your sugars right, and then continue on, but only you are aware of it because you can feel the difference when your body is not responding to where you're at. So it's a very tough disease and it's very isolating, it is. Yeah, and another layer too, again, because there can be a lack of education about diabetes, people assume, oh, you have diabetes, you may have made the wrong choices with your diet and your exercise, well, a lot of these kids would type one, you know, it's just something they develop, something they have no control over. So they also can be, you know, ridicule for that, just again, because of the lack of, you know, proper education resources. So definitely difficult. Like I said, no easy feat at all. Well, and thank you, Lord, for bringing back the Kiki Camp where they can feel, you know, with their peers and the parents can also hang out with other diabetic parents, kids of diabetic kids. It really helps to have that support group and say, you know, like we're not in it alone and they can call somebody up because now they have a network of friends, adults and the kids. So to shape our ADA, we're fighting to bring it back to Hawaii, I'm so grateful for it. I was wondering, can you just inform us, how can a diabetic Kiki get signed up for next year or for the camps coming? Okay, so actually what I would recommend is emailing me. I'd share my email right now if that's okay. That's fine. Abervos at diabetes.org. So I can keep them in the loop of all different resources surrounding camp as well as, you know, show them other opportunities to be more involved. So I highly recommend that. So just to make sure, you know, they're on our first priority list when we have, you know, our website going in all our information resources for next year announced. Very good. And I know they're running the American Diabetes website title on the screen. So they can also access that and then tap into you directly as well. So I know that we have, I know we're already starting, although it's due in 2022, but in 2023, we're having our step out walk for diabetes. So how can members of the community get signed up, get walking? We need money. We need bodies. We need everything. So give a shout out. Go ahead, Amber. Yeah. So I just wanted to go over quickly about step out and just more information about it in general. So this is the way of the American Diabetes Association of really connecting members of our community with diabetes with one another as well as resources they may need to thrive. So just to shine a spotlight, we have a wellness village which is filled with different local companies that are there for those with diabetes and that can really provide them with more information they need, support groups, et cetera, that can help them thrive in Hawaii. Not only this, but we have a structure where you can start a team with your friends, your coworkers, your family, all. And actually, you know, be a bit competitive. Try to be that number one team. And based on that, get various different incentives and even access to different areas on the actual event. So I just highly recommend everyone to look into it and really participate to show that you align with our mission as well as a way to connect, you know, members of your family and just members in your social group with one another for a day full of good fun, honestly. So you can get involved with this. We're looking for volunteers. We're also looking for people who are interested in sponsoring to show they really align with the ADA as well as just, you know, generally anyone who wants to spread word about it. So you can email me at apyrgos at diabetes.org for that information. Or you can just directly sign up on our website if, you know, you're just pumped right now and you wanna make a team, go to diabetes.org slash step out high 23. And yeah, again, feel free to reach out to me if you want any more information about step out. But all funds raised would go to furthering our mission. So our advocacy, our research, as well as our, you know, just program delivery like half. Yes, and you know, you guys make it so easy because you go to the website. I'm computer illiterate and I have done this for many years where you go there and you just click on sign up a team and then you can name your team. And then all you gotta do is if you're a Facebook or social media person, right, you blast it out there. And then people will, I mean, surprisingly, they just go on and they donate money directly to your site and you rack up. I mean, set a goal, a lofty goal. I mean, I would always say $1,000, you know, and that's even conservative. You can say even more than that because I'm not sure, but can I just ask, Amber, are we having a champions program? Oh yeah. Okay. So that would be the specialty. I'm in the past at the champions tent and all that means is put it on social media, back it up, refresh it on as often as you can and people start donating money towards ADA and when you hit $1,000 or more, and I'm not sure of the tier structure, so I know about the champions program. And once you hit that, then you get privilege to come to a special area and we get special acknowledgements for you that you are a champion and then we give you sometimes, you know, a cup of coffee and extra and a rose I'm not sure what we're gonna give you this year. It's all surprise to be announced, but it's always something that recognizes all your efforts and we really mahalo all of you for doing this and everyone comes to my tent and say, how do I do that? How can I be a champion? So I always try to get the word out early so they don't feel left out because it's kind of easy, huh, Amber, to be a champion. Yeah, yeah. Like I said, everyone, not everyone, but most people, one in two people in Hawaii are in some way touched by diabetes. So, you know, everyone really wants to help this mission. Everyone cares about our community in Hawaii and you know, see this is such a prevalent issue. So yeah, this is just such a good way to get involved and really stop diabetes in Hawaii. Right. So everyone listening to this and then some we expect you out there. It's a beautiful day, beautiful morning for a walk and then to get educated is what our main goal is and educate the community and to just get you out there in this environment and be grateful for all that we have and to support those that are still living with type one and type two. But for now, Amber, we've run out of time. So I'd like to say mahalo to you, Amber Burgles from the American Diabetes Association for your passion for helping Hawaii lower our numbers through programs, resources and research. So we'll be back in two weeks with more of Taking Your Health Back from Wendy Lo. Aloha and mahalo Amber. Thank you so much for watching Think Tech Hawaii. If you like what we do, please like us and click the subscribe button on YouTube and the follow button on Vimeo. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and donate to us at thinktechhawaii.com. Mahalo.