Social-cultural problems affecting management of diabetes mellitus in Nigerian children.

The case histories of five children with diabetes mellitus have been analysed and socio-cultural problems affecting management examined. Difficult family situations have been highlighted and their effects discussed. Suggestions have been made on how such negative factors can be detected early and/or averted particularly by making use of Home Visitors trained on the job. It is concluded that juvenile diabetes can be managed successfully in our community provided the patients and their parents or guardians are willing to participate actively in the management of the disorder and are given necessary physical, emotional and sometime economic support on a continuous basis.