Integrating Self-Determination Theory and Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Promoting Youth Development Among Campers with Type 1 Diabetes †

Abstract

The purpose of this cohort study was to evaluate participants’ general self-management and experiences of autonomy while attending diabetes camp using quantitative and qualitative data collection. Through a partnership, an outdoor diabetes camp was designed to assist youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in their management. The REACH Teen program conducted a week-long summer camp for youth with T1D. The study was designed through Outcome-Focused Programming grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to meet campers’ needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Campers participated in outdoor activities and diabetes education designed to increase healthy behaviors. Twenty-three campers completed a 24-item pre- and post-camp questionnaire measuring participants’ perceived levels of satisfaction or frustration of their three basic psychological needs. At the conclusion of camp, 21 youth participated in 35-min focus group interviews. Through a paired-sample t-test, all three measures were trending in a positive direction, with relatedness (R) being the closest to significance. Cloud-based biometric data was used to compute the percentage of TIR for the week, during camp hours. The results from the focus group interviews revealed three themes: lack of outside understanding, varying levels of autonomy, and experiences at REACH. Not reporting TIR data outside of camp was a limitation of this study. Diabetes medical specialty camps grounded in SDT can provide an opportunity for campers to internalize healthy behaviors needed to manage their diabetes.