Diabetes Care, Vol 2, Issue 4 342-348, Copyright © 1979 by American Diabetes Association
A multidisciplinary, comprehensive, ambulatory treatment scheme for diabetes mellitus in children
Z Laron, A Galatzer, S Amir, R Gil, M Karp and M Mimouni
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.