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Subhankar Chatterjee
Payel Biswas
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Abstract
Although there are enormous talks regarding the pharmacological management of Type 1 Diabetes
Mellitus (T1DM), little is discussed about its psycho-sociological aspect. The psychological stigma of type
1 diabetes mellitus cant be over-emphasised. It affects mainly the patient and the family as a whole.
Frequent hypoglycaemic attacks and diabetic keto-acidosis hamper the childs learning processes. Lifelong administration of insulin, timely and restricted food habits and complications of diabetes impose
great difficulty in living normal life for patient. So, for optimum survival, psychological monitoring must
be done along with the medical treatment beginning from the diagnosis. Every child newly diagnosed with
type 1 diabetes mellitus should be evaluated by a diabetes team consisting of paediatric endocrinologists,
nurse educator, dietician, and mental health professional to provide specific education and support. The
parents must be extremely careful and supportive. Siblings must be ready to assist the patient. Regular
interaction between parents, nurses, doctors and the school authority must be assured for close monitoring.
The child must be encouraged to participate in the school and family activities. Above all, proper education
of self-care must be given to the child so that he/she can cope with his/her existing disease, maintain selfconfidence, ensure self-management and adapt with the life at large.
Key words: Diabetes mellitus; psychology; psychological stress; psychosocial factors.
Introduction
Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus, still a poor cousin of
Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), is the third
most common paediatric endocrine disease [1].
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is mainly an auto-immune
disorder where there is destruction of beta cells
of pancreas leading to absolute insulin deficiency
and necessitates intense insulin therapy to survive.
Proper treatment and care for a type 1 diabetes
mellitus patient include intensive medical therapy,
proper diet, regular health check-up, proper
nursing and last but not the least healthy parental
care. Although late, the community is beginning
to realise the ubiquitous nature of psychological
impact of type 1 diabetes mellitus, involving the
entire family, schools and society as a whole. This
article highlights the same.
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Psycho-social stigma
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