[HollyB]

Our CDA has confidence in him and thinks he should go for it but her concern is starvation ketones in the event the juice isn't enough to meet his energy needs. She's advising him to check ketones as well as BG every 4 hours or as needed.

We'll check in with the supervising teacher to make sure the juice is available freely and that they understand he will be bringing glucose tabs and some "real" food just in case he needs it. He'll also have a cell phone so if he gets into trouble and needs to bail we'll come get him.

I'm not too worried about the exhaustion from the all-nighter -- he's done that before! -- and at least he's not likely to sleep long enough to have a low in his sleep.

[Funnygrl]

I wouldn't do it. I remember this fundraiser from high school, and I thought it was dumb then too. Good cause, bad idea. Going 30 hours without food isn't really a good idea for any growing teenager, much less one with diabetes. I know even though my basals are fine, I trend low and feel like junk if I go too long without a real meal. Plus, it will deplete glycogen supplies and put him at risk for more severe lows the next few days as well. Starvation ketones aren't really a concern if they'll be drinking juice though.

I'd rather see teenagers raking yards or doing some kind of walk to raise money, but that's just me.

[Subby]

You sure got a range of opinions here, I can see the point in all of them. I suppose I hope this is one decision he might make for himself, and if he wants to do it it's not simply because of the pressure to "be normal" or possibly put himself at health risk to keep up with the peers (who risk very little, what with working pancreases and all). If there is any doubt, I definitely agree there are many (possibly better) ways to fundraise without fasting and non-compliance for good reasons should be encouraged.

I'm not sure that "starvation ketones" of the likely magnitude involved are something to be worried about, in my understanding they are distinct from the dangers of DKA. Did the educator say why they were such a concern? I see it as an unecessary burden to be testing ketones like that if BG levels are in the green and he feels ok and keeps hydrated. But, that's just my opinion and I am very happy to be corrected.

[HollyB]

Hi Subby,

yes, this has been very interesting!

There are plenty of kids in his school who DON'T do the fast, so I don't think he's being pressured. I think he sees it as an interesting challenge, to see if he can manage it OK.

Unlike some kids I've heard of, Aaron doesn't tend to get ketones easily (in fact hasn't had them that we know of since dx) so I tend to agree that if he's feeling well, he doesn't need to go crazy with the ketone testing. On the other hand, it's easy enough to do and be reassured that he's OK.

Thanks to all of you for your input -- it's helped me think this one through.

[Alice]

I guess this fundraiser is polar opposite to what we used to do in high school and college...that was to sell Krispy Kremes for $1 a box. We would go to the factory and fill our cars with do-nuts...then hit the college dorms and neighborhoods on Sat/Sun mornings. Not quite the same...is it?

[RobiJo]

Go for it. I did these in college. He just needs to test frequently. Drink the juice when needed to prevent hypos. I didn't need any fast acting insulin the entire time during the fast. The hardest part was after the fast was over... I overdid it afterwards and ran high then. My carb ratio didn't seem to work right the day after.
Tell him to have fun!