To Örebro University

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a novel sports camp containing education and individualized feedback, on glycemic control and self-estimated level of knowledge in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Method: Participants with T1DM attended a three-day sports camp with education and individualized feedback on insulin and carbohydrate adjustments. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and carbohydrate counting was used. A1c was assessed at baseline, 3 and 12 months after the sports camps. Questionnaires using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used before and after the camp to estimate attitudes and knowledge regarding insulin and carbohydrate adjustments in relation to exercise.

Results: During eight sports camps 105 TIDM participants were included, 53% females, mean age 40.5 ± 10.0 years.

A1c was significantly reduced from 7.5 ± 3.0% (58.7 ± 9.2 mmol/mol) at baseline to 7.3 ± 2.9% (56.2 ± 8.1 mmol/mol), P<.005, after 3 months and maintained after 12 months 7.3 ± 2.9% (56.4 ± 8.1 mmol/mol), P<.005. Self-estimated level of knowledge was significantly improved in the area of insulin adjustments, P<.001 and carbohydrate intake, P<.001, in connection to exercise.

99% of the participants wanted to continue on CGM and 85% of the participants stated they would like to continue with carbohydrate counting after the sports camp.

Conclusion: Sports camps for adults with T1DM, was associated with improved glycemic control and increased self-estimated knowledge regarding insulin and carbohydrate adjustments in relation to exercise. This improvement in A1c, might be linked to the participants’ increased level of knowledge but also to increased use of CGM and carbohydrate counting.

Abbreviations: A1c: Glycated Hemoglobin; BG: Blood Glucose; BMI: Body Mass Index; CGM: Continuous Glucose Monitoring; CHO: Carbohydrates; CSII: Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion; DSME: Diabetes Self-Management Education; IFCC: International Federation of Clinical Chemistry; IG: Interstitial Glucose; MDI: Multiple Daily Injections; NGSP: National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program; PG: Plasma Glucose; PE: Physical Exercise; RPE: Rate of Perceived Exertion; SMBG: Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose; T1DM: Type 1 Diabetes; VAS: Visual Analogue Scale.