ABSTRACT
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) as a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition, may have a devastating acute and long-term effect on the patient and his or her family. IDMM's management should include the following components: (a) establishment of a co-operative relationship amongst the patient, his or her family and the members of the diabetes team, (b) emphasis on the promotion of problem-solving strategies, (c) sufficient emotional and psychological support and proper education and training concerning diabetic control, provided not only to the patient but to all the family members involved in his or her care. The treatment regimen, as well as the above mentioned components of IDMM management should be tailored to the individual's specific needs, developmental stage and a level of adjustment. These facilitating conditions can have a positive and long-standing effect on the individual's capacity to cope efficiently in order to improve quality of life and obtain adjustment.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/psychology , Parent-Child Relations , Adaptation, Psychological , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/diagnosis , Female , Greece , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Problem Solving , Quality of Life , Self-Help Groups/organization & administration , Social SupportABSTRACT
One year's experience in screening for congenital hypothyroidism in Greece is reported. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) determination by a radioimmunoassay on dried blood spots was selected as the screening method. During the first year of screening 75,879 newborn infants were tested from Guthrie blood spots taken on the 5th day of life. Eighteen cases of primary congenital hypothyroidism with serum TSH levels over 100 microIU/ml were detected, giving an incidence of 1: 4200. One case had already been diagnosed clinically. Replacement treatment was started between the 22nd and the 50th days of life.
