Summer camps for diabetic children: an experience in Antalya, Turkey

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of diabetic summer camps with objective parameters, we examined the data relative to summer camps organized by our department in Antalya in the last two years. The duration of the camps was 10 days. Twenty-eight diabetic children with an average age of 13.6 +/- 2.9 years (range 8-20) participated in the first camp, fourteen of whom participated in both camps. The medical personnel consisted of three pediatric endocrinologists, one psychologist, two diabetes nurses and two dietitians. Despite a mean 10% reduction in insulin dosage and 10% increment in daily calorie intake at the beginning of the camp, hypoglycemia was common (mean, 2.4 hypoglycemic episodes per subject). Ketoacidosis was not encountered in any of the subjects during and after camps. An increment in weight in children whose weights, with respect to heights, were under the ideal weight and a decrement in weight of overweight children were observed at the end of the first camp. A significant improvement in knowledge and self-management of the disease was noted at the end of the camps. Improvement in nutrition and diabetic knowledge level of the children who participated in these consecutive camps was more obvious in the second compared with that in the first camp. No significant change in HbA1c level was observed at follow-up. In conclusion, summer camps are an invaluable way for diabetic children to gain skills in managing their disease.

Overweight and Obesity in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

“…The intervention studies were also the oldest, having been conducted before the year 2000. In terms of participant characteristics, girls were the primary subjects in two studies, whereas four studies had an equal representation of boys and girls, and in one study gender was not reported (Semiz, Bilgin, Bundak, & Bircan, 2000). The age range varied from 4 to 18 years, but for those studies that reported the mean age, most focused on the preadolescent to adolescent years of 11–16 years.…”

“…There were 28 adolescents enrolled, 8 of whom were overweight or obese. The mean weight loss was 0.9 kg after the first 10 days of camp (Semiz et al, 2000). Gender and statistical significance of the weight loss or sustainability was not reported.…”

“…In both studies, a modest weight loss of 0.9 kg after 10 days and 3% of relative weight after 15 months were reported (Semiz et al, 2000; Thomas-Dobersen et al, 1993). Again, however, the studies were limited by small sample sizes, retention issues, and missing participant characteristics that challenge the applicability of the results to a larger population.…”

“…Two intervention studies were also identified in which physical activity and dietary change were used to improve weight and glycemic control in youth with T1D (Semiz et al, 2000; Thomas-Dobersen et al, 1993). In both studies, a modest weight loss of 0.9 kg after 10 days and 3% of relative weight after 15 months were reported (Semiz et al, 2000; Thomas-Dobersen et al, 1993).…”

Metabolic state and anxiety level at adolescents during diabetic summer camp

“…Obserwacje poczynione na stosunkowo krót-kich 5-7-dniowych turnusach wakacyjnych podkreślają, poza walorami edukacyjnymi i poprawą samokontroli [13][14][15], także wzrost u dzieci i nastolatków akceptacji choroby i wzrost adaptacji do codziennego życia [16,17].…”