title: Glycemic control and the psychosocial benefits gained by patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending the diabetes camp.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes camp on glycemic control, knowledge, and psychosocial benefits among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Glycemic control among patients with infrequent and frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was also compared.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a 5-day camp, 60 patients were taught diabetes self-management education (DSME). After camp, patients were divided into two groups based on frequency of SMBG (<3 versus 3-4 times/day) and were followed up until 6-month post-camp. Patients' HbA1c levels and knowledge were assessed at baseline, 3- and 6-month post-camp. Patients' impressions towards camp were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both SMBG groups, HbA1c levels decreased significantly at 3-month post-camp but did not sustain at 6-month monitoring. The patients with frequent SMBG had a lower mean HbA1c level. A significant improvement in knowledge was noted and sustained up to 6-month post-camp. The patients found diabetes camp of benefit and felt they could better cope with diabetes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the effect of the diabetes camp on glycemic control was short-lived, an improvement in knowledge and a better attitude towards having diabetes were seen among participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The psychosocial benefits and knowledge gained by patients attending diabetes camp underline the importance of including a camp in a diabetes management plan. To improve patients' long-term glycemic control, a continuous education is required.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. sijst@mahidol.ac.th
authors.forename: Jeerunda
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Santiprabhob
authors.forename: Supawadee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Likitmaskul
authors.forename: Pornpimol
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kiattisakthavee
authors.forename: Praewvarin
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Weerakulwattana
authors.forename: Katharee
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chaichanwattanakul
authors.forename: Pairunyar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nakavachara
authors.forename: Thavatchai
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Peerapatdit
authors.forename: Wannee
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nitiyanant
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / Q000523:psychology; D002165:Camping; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006294:Health Resorts; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D013785:Thailand
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin