[Faculty of Health and Nutrition] Participated in Type 1 Diabetes Education Camp

Associate Professor and his fourth-year graduate students from Faculty of Health and Nutrition participated in a three-night, four-day (July 24-27) Type 1 Diabetes Education Camp to conduct research.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells, which produce insulin, a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels. Insulin therapy and dietary therapy are essential to regulate blood sugar levels within an appropriate range.

This camp is targeted at children and siblings living with type 1 diabetes (approximately 50 people), and student volunteers, doctors, nurses, registered dietitians, OGOBs, parents, and manufacturers work together as staff (approximately 100 people) to plan and run various activities such as study sessions and fun events. Graduates of our school also participate every year as volunteer staff members.

The registered dietitian was responsible for preparing and running meals in the cafeteria and outdoor kitchen, preparing snacks in case of hypoglycemia, and taking measures against dehydration and heatstroke. He also checked the carbohydrate content of dishes and food for carb counting, which is used to determine the amount of insulin administered during meals. At the BBQ buffet held at the outdoor kitchen, menu cards were distributed that categorized the dishes based on the three food groups, which also served as food education. On the final day, participants who ate a balanced diet throughout the four days were awarded prizes.

Type 1 diabetes education camps are held all over the country, with university students, mainly from medical schools, participating as volunteer staff.

About Pediatric Diabetes Summer Camp　https://www.jpeds.or.jp/modules/news2/index.php?content_id=1148
In addition, a manga titled "Genki no Mori Nikki" has been published online, depicting the significance of the educational camp through the growth of patients, and the camp served as the model for the manga. A project to turn the manga into a movie is currently underway.
Web comic "Genki no Mori Diary"　https://www.medtronic-dm.jp/study/library/comic/01/

(Source: Faculty of Health and Nutrition)

*The photos shown are from activities in 2024.