Dietary carbohydrate deficits and hypoglycaemia in the young diabetic on holiday.

On two British Diabetic Association Educational Holidays, 67 children aged 6-9 years had their diabetic management analysed and hypoglycaemic episodes recorded. The average pre-camp carbohydrate prescription of the children was found to be 44 g below minimal recommended values. Hypoglycaemic episodes were more frequent in those with greater carbohydrate deficits and morning insulin doses in excess of 0.7 U/kg. The management of the young diabetic at camp should include a pre-camp analysis with appropriate adjustment of diet and insulin to minimize hypoglycaemic crises. Guideline figures are proposed for average age-related carbohydrate intake.