Diabetes at Camp 2025-Diabetes at Camp: Ketones and Sick Days

Diabetes at Camp: Ketones and Sick Days

Pdf Summary

This module from the American Diabetes Association focuses on managing ketones and sick days for campers with diabetes. It outlines the causes, detection, and treatment of ketone accumulation, emphasizing the importance of insulin in preventing ketone buildup. Ketones are byproducts of fat breakdown and appear when there's insufficient insulin, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe condition marked by symptoms like abdominal pain and altered mental status.<br /><br />Key procedures for managing ketones include checking urine or blood for ketone levels, particularly if glucose is over 240 mg/dL, during vomiting episodes, after missed insulin doses, or when the camper feels unwell. The module details proper testing methods and storage for ketone strips and highlights how blood ketone meters can provide fast, accurate readings.<br /><br />If trace or small ketones are detected, immediate actions involve increasing fluid intake and continually monitoring ketone levels until they drop below 0.6 mmol/L. For moderate to large ketones, the module advises ensuring adequate hydration and using a sick day action plan to administer extra insulin. Additionally, it suggests altering insulin delivery methods via injections if insulin pumps malfunction. <br /><br />The content emphasizes that persistent high levels of ketones, severe vomiting, or signs of DKA necessitate hospital intervention due to the risk of electrolyte disturbances and cerebral edema. Overall, this module aims to equip camp staff with the knowledge to effectively manage sick days for campers with diabetes, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Keywords

diabetes

ketones

sick days

diabetic ketoacidosis

insulin

campers

ketone testing

hydration

blood ketone meters

hospital intervention