Fructosamine levels demonstrate improved glycemic control for some children attending a diabetes summer camp

Residential summer camps for youths with diabetes may have a positive effect on glycemic control. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is considered the best measure of control, but it reflects too long a period to evaluate a camp session. The fructosamine test reflects control over a period of 2-3 wk and may be ideal for this purpose. A portable device was used to examine the relationship between 2 wk of glycemic control and the change in fructosamine in order to determine whether control improved at camp. Thirty children, 8-12 yr old, were studied during a 2-wk session of a diabetes summer camp. Pre-camp HbA1c levels were obtained from the childrens' physicians. Each camper measured his/her blood glucose four times daily. Insulin doses were readjusted frequently by camp physicians. Each child's fructosamine was measured at the beginning and end of camp. The baseline fructosamine correlated with HbA1c. The final fructosamine correlated with the 2-wk mean glucose. The subgroup who started camp in below average glycemic control improved their fructosamine levels by the end of camp. Those who started camp in better control did not change. Without continuous glucose monitoring, it is impossible to accurately determine how well fructosamine reflects glucose levels. In this study, fructosamine correlated with the mean glucoses and with an HbA1c obtained prior to camp. Fructosamine appears to be a valid measure of glycemic control and being at camp was at least transiently beneficial to the children who needed it most.