Psycho-social problems of diabetic children and adolescents.

The experience gained in the treatment of 700 diabetic children and adolescents over 20 years at the Beilinson Medical Center, Israel, is reviewed in the light of prevailing concepts. To deal with the psycho-social problems arising in this chronic disease with acute episodes, a multidisciplinary team approach has been used since 1966. The program of this team and the results obtained in relation to the control of the diabetes and to the habilitation and rehabilitation of patients within the family, at school and in adulthood (work and marriage) are described.