Insulin Resistance Prevention And Management Program: Reducing The Risk Of Diabetes In Indigenous Youth
Janeway Lifestyle Program in Newfoundland has a successful Insulin Resistance Prevention and Management (IRPM) program, which is being adapted for Indigenous youth in Newfoundland and Labrador who have insulin resistance and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The project team is working closely with Indigenous health partners and community champions so that they can create useful and culturally appropriate resources to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Goals of the project
- Expand and develop the IRPM to other communities/regions and to adapt the program to meet the culturally-specific needs of Indigenous youth.
- Learn about the specific needs of communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, including Indigenous youth.
- Create a program that has a training manual and start-up kit (with resistance bands, free weights, kettlebells, etc.).
IRPM Program Components
This program focuses on the following pillars:
Be Active:
Being active means moving our bodies whenever possible through physical activity or play, and less sedentary (inactivity).
- The IRPM Program contains 10 weeks of resistance training
- 2 sessions per week in community setting
- 1 session per week at home
Eat Well:
Eating well means learning to eat and enjoy a variety of foods and beverages. These foods and beverages are the basis of your health and well-being.
- Key nutritional messages will be reviewed at each session of the IRPM Program
Feel Good:
Feeling good about yourself means having a sense of contentment and overall wellness.
- Body positive approach used during all IRPM sessions
Current Progress
- Consulting with Indigenous and other groups across the province to determine needs
- Creation of manuals and teaching materials in partnership with Indigenous groups
- Training of 7 community members from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities has taken place to lead IRPM programs in their home communities
- Evaluation process has begun with a survey of those who have completed training to assess the effectiveness of the training and materials
Evaluation
The IRPM program expansion will be evaluated through a few methods.
- Youth engagement will be assessed and feedback will be gather regarding the program and facilitators, as well as from caregivers or family regarding youth’s participation in the program
- Facilitator engagement will be assessed through feedback about program uptake, resources, and success/ease of running the program
- National uptake will be considered through gathering information from the Meant2Prevent resource hub once this is available for teams in other provinces
Future
- Framework for others to run the program with other remote indigenous communities throughout Canada.
- The program will be available for download on the Meant2Prevent HUB once completed.
