We just finished our a young adults with diabetes camp in Europe last month. It’s a week-long program that balances classroom/lecture time with sports and outdoor activities such as volleyball, swimming, soccer, dancing, and basketball. Together with a colleague, I had the pleasure of managing sports/activities. We encourage an inclusive environment and separate competitive levels in hope everyone will participate but there are always a few individuals who are too intimidated to participate, which of course, we respect. We are seeking advice from others who may feel this same way about sports and/or have advised/guided other adults. What helped reassure you and what were the necessary requirements for you to feel safe when starting?
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Hi Kyle,
Thanks for sharing your experience with the diabetes camp! Fear of lows or other diabetes-related issues during sports and outdoor activities is such a valid feeling to have, especially if you’re new to a sport/activity. I typically start by acknowledging my nervousness about the activity and then I use the small-steps approach. For example, if I feel intimidated by a hiking trail, I’ll pick a shorter trail and work my way up to my ultimate goal. This process helps alleviate nervousness around lows or fear of something going wrong by introducing the activity slowly.
Everyone approaches these things differently, so I would love to hear what strategies others have used to help!
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Hi Kyle,
Firstly, congrats on leading the young adults with diabetes camp 
This will be a great thread for the community because we know many non-profit and other organizations that run camps and events for people with diabetes! Just to add to Selma’s point, I like that you offer activities for separate competitive levels! I would also consider (maybe you already do this) a few activities that are less “competitive” and intentionally planned as fun activities for everyone and can bring the group together. It can be a combined educational and exercise event that breaks up the physical aspect and can still be engaging for competitive spirits! As you mentioned, safety is so important and inclusivity is key at camp
I’d love to hear from others too!
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Fears of low’s are understandable.
Take some time and learn how YOU react, after you recover look at your CGM graph, take notes if you can, equate the graph in time to your recovery and see what happened? e.g. I was low @ 60 mg/dl I ate 10 M&M’s by blood sugar rose to 90 in 20 minutes. Over time you will see what works for you and doesn’t work for you. As you do that you will gain confidence. Having been as low as 37 (bly blood test) and still being somewhat lucid I had told someone else around me please look for these conditions. I had been working hard, got some tunnel vision and become confused. I sat down, drank some water used 3 emergency tablets …15 minutes later I ahve a small snack and 5 minutes after that had recovered to aboput 100 mg/dl.
Fear can increase blood pressure, spike adernaline and other physilogical affects, I find trying to remain calm, relax my body and use my emergency stuff super helpful …it takes time but as a Type 1 for 34 years 10 months I cope quite well now.
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Love this! Thanks for sharing The lows can be challenging and definitely increase fear, but the strategies like watching and writing down trends can be so powerful and helpful in the long run!!
Please forgive the dsylexia all, I just don’t see it some times…sorry
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That sounds like such a great program! I think feeling safe starts with having supportive staff who understand diabetes management during activity. Gradual participation and focusing on fun over performance also help reduce intimidation. Clear communication about glucose checks and having supplies nearby can really boost confidence too.
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