Camp control over diabetes

NARRE Warren brothers attended a unique summer camp where they learned about surfing, dolphins and managing their diabetes.
Seventeen-year-old Nick Macdonald and his 16-year-old brother Ryan joined about 50 other teenagers at diabetes summer camp in Somers on the Mornington Peninsula.
The siblings were both diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, and said the camp was a great way to meet other children who faced the same challenges.
Nick, a Year 12 Hallam Senior College student, was 9 when he was diagnosed, and said simple things often were a challenge.
“I went away surfing for a week with a friend and I found it a bit hard to manage my blood sugars,” Nick said.
“They were up and down a fair bit. I’m just not used to being away and doing so much. It’s good [at diabetes camp] because everyone there is on the same sort of page.”
Ryan, a Year 11 Fountain Gate Secondary College student, said the camp was helpful.
“You see what (other people with diabetes) do and how they manage, and it’s good having all the doctors there to get help from,” Ryan said.
Dr Jarod Wong, from the Royal Children’s Hospital, is the camp’s onsite doctor, and said while the focus is on having fun, it’s also a chance for campers to learn more about the condition. “It’s not meant to be a nagging, educational exercise – it’s just so they can have fun,” Dr Wong said.
“They get to see different ways of managing diabetes – some people are on pumps, others might be on special diets. It’s important for them to know that they’re not alone, there are lots of other people with diabetes.”
About 65 children, aged 10 to 12, also attended this year’s diabetes junior camp, held from 8–12 January at Anglesea.
Diabetes Australia – Vic is the peak consumer body and leading charity representing all people affected by diabetes and those at risk.