Diabetes at Camp 2025-Diabetes at Camp: Effects of Illness and Medicine

Diabetes at Camp: Effects of Illness and Medicine

Pdf Summary

This module discusses managing diabetes at a camp setting, particularly focusing on the effects of acute illnesses or medications on diabetes management for campers with type 1 diabetes. The module outlines how to manage common acute infections like gastroenteritis, pharyngitis, and respiratory viral illnesses, which can impact blood glucose and ketone levels due to stress hormones.<br /><br />Learners will be trained to differentiate between acute gastroenteritis and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), calculate mini-doses of glucagon for mild hypoglycemia, and anticipate increased insulin requirements when glucocorticoid medications are prescribed.<br /><br />In the case of acute infections, blood glucose levels might rise due to stress or fall due to poor oral intake, while ketones often increase. Both can trigger DKA, necessitating immediate treatment with insulin and fluids. Mini-dose glucagon is useful for managing mild hypoglycemia when the camper cannot ingest food or fluids, effectively raising glucose levels temporarily. Frequent monitoring of glucose and ketones, even in the absence of food intake, is critical during illness.<br /><br />The module emphasizes potential complications from glucocorticoid medications, which can elevate glucose and ketone levels, particularly concerning for those with type 1 diabetes. Management strategies include increasing insulin doses in response. The consideration of over-the-counter medications and their variables, such as sugar content and potential impact on glucose levels, is also addressed.<br /><br />Case studies provide practical insight into managing diabetes under specific circumstances, such as using prednisone for asthma or treating suspected infections. Proper communication and monitoring frameworks, along with adjustments in insulin dosing, are discussed for effective management of diabetes during camp experiences. <br /><br />This module aims to prepare healthcare providers and guardians to effectively manage fluctuations in blood glucose and ketones amidst the challenges of acute illness and specific medications.

Keywords

diabetes management

type 1 diabetes

acute illnesses

camp setting

blood glucose

ketone levels

glucagon mini-doses

glucocorticoids

diabetic ketoacidosis

insulin adjustments