Improved Glycemic Control during a One-Week Adventure Camp in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes-The DIACAMP Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Adolescence is a critical period for managing type 1 diabetes (T1D), often accompanied by diabetes distress.
• Traditional educational camps may not fully address the psychological burden of T1D in adolescents.
• Adventure camps offer a novel approach to support T1D management and reduce distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of an adventure camp for adolescents with T1D.
• To assess the impact of a fun-focused, minimally educational camp on glycemic control and diabetes distress.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data from 14 adolescents with T1D over three periods: pre-camp, during the camp, and post-camp.
• Utilized Dexcom G7 CGM system for standardized data collection.
• Assessed safety (time below range 1 and 2) and efficacy (time in range) of glycemic control.

Main Results:

• Time in range (TIR) significantly increased during the adventure camp week compared to the home phase (70.4% vs. 53.1%, p=0.001).
• Time below range 1 (TBR1) also increased significantly during the camp (2.5% vs. 1.3%, p=0.009), while time below range 2 (TBR2) showed no significant difference.
• No serious adverse events were reported, indicating a safe intervention.

Conclusions:

• An adventure camp focused on fun activities, with minimal structured education, is a feasible and safe intervention for adolescents with T1D.
• This camp model may help improve glycemic control (TIR) and potentially reduce diabetes distress in this population.