A multidisciplinary, comprehensive, ambulatory treatment scheme for diabetes mellitus in children

Abstract

A study has been carried out on 262 children with juvenile diabetes and their parents, treated up to 10 yr on an ambulatory basis by a multidisciplinary team composed of pediatric endocrinologist, nurse, dietitian, psychologist, and social worker. Comparison of the findings with those of a study performed before inception of the Counselling Center for Juvenile Diabetics revealed the following positive influences: the degree of control attained was both higher and sustained with greater regularity; there were fewer complications with no episodes of coma, brittle diabetes, or severe ketoacidosis and almost no need for hospitalization; the attitude of the affected child, his parents, and his teachers was found to be considerably improved; there was better understanding of the nature of the disease and its requirements; the child's motivation to maintain the diabetic regimen was greater and conflicts within the family circle were markedly reduced; the child's self-concept was much higher; and both scholastic achievements and social adjustment were greater. We concluded that psychological stability is a basic factor in the control of diabetes, and the value of the multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of this chronic disease is indicated.