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

Adolescence remains a crucial age associated with diabetes distress in individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Austrian organization “Diabär” regularly hosts a one-week adventure camp for adolescents (12–18 years) living with T1D. The camp focuses on “fun activities” without a structured educational protocol in order to minimize diabetes distress and increase diabetes management skills. In contrast to educational camps, training is kept to a minimum. However, attendees analyze the glycemic data of the previous day with their medical supervisor once daily during the camp. All subjects used a standardized real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system (DexcomG7) throughout the whole study. Glycemic metrics were prospectively analyzed during three periods: week 1 = home phase, week 2 = adventure camp, and week 3 = after the camp. Safety (time below range 1 [TBR1], 69–54 mg/dL, and time below range 2 [TBR2], <54 mg/dL) and efficacy (time in range [TIR], 70–180 mg/dL) were assessed by comparing the CGM data during weeks 1–3. The CGM data of 14 participants were analyzed. The TIR was higher during the camp week versus week 1 (70.4 ± 11.1% vs. 53.1 ± 20.2%; p = 0.001). The TBR1 significantly increased during camp compared to week 1 (2.5 ±1.7% vs. 1.3 ± 1.2%; p = 0.009), whereas the TBR2 did not differ. No serious adverse events occurred. This adventure camp without a main focus on education showed feasibility and safety in adolescents with T1D.