Diabetes camp provides one more useful tool for an interdisciplinary PCH team dedicated to helping families deal with the demands of diabetes - caused by the body's still unexplained failure to produce the insulin needed for cells to absorb nutrients and energy. The goal of Camp AZDA, the diabetes camp, is to teach kids self-management. Abbie learned how to give herself injections - a helpful skill when she's spending the night with friends, without her parents nearby. Of course, it changes your life. Everything revolves around it.
Meals have to be served at just the right intervals.
A test kit, along with glucose tablets or something sugary, must always be available for emergencies. Still, the ability to pick up the phone and call a doctor, diet expert or nurse eases the anxiety - especially when blood sugar readings spike suddenly. Abbie and her family just take it one day at a time. Joseph's Story For a complete list of patient stories, click here . E. McDowell Rd.