When the summer camp ends: Short-term, post-camp deterioration of glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes

To investigate short-term post-camp glycemic deterioration in youth with T1D using sensor-augmented or automated insulin delivery systems and to identify contributing factors.

This retrospective analysis included 93 children and adolescents with T1D using MiniMed™ CSII systems, attending a seven-day summer diabetes camp in Greece (2019-2025). Glycemic metrics, insulin dosing, carbohydrate intake, infusion set changes were assessed for the pre-camp week, the camp week, and the post-camp week.

Glycemic control during camp was satisfactory and superior to pre-camp values. Post-camp, time in range (70-180 mg/dL) declined (64.53 %) compared with camp (71.27 %) and pre-camp (69.95 %), while time above range (>180 mg/dL and >250 mg/dL) increased. This short-term deterioration was consistent across all six years. Glucose variability peaked during camp (CV 35.21 %). MiniMed™780G users maintained better post-camp control than MiniMed™640G users (TIR 70.02 % vs. 55.43 %, p < 0.001). Post-camp, participants consumed more meals and carbohydrates and required higher total daily insulin (41.13 units/day, 0.84 U/kg). The TDD/Carbs ratio remained stable, and infusion set changes were less frequent during camp.

Children and adolescents with T1D maintain adequate glycemic control during camp, but experience a transient post-camp deterioration, underscoring the need for monitoring and individualized support during the week following camp.