Permanent damage of the sciatic nerve in an 8-year-old girl with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

Neuropathy, a complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D), is a heterogeneous group, and chronic polyneuropathy is the most common form in adults. Αn 8-year-old girl admitted with severe diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed with T1D. She was managed with intravenous fluids and insulin and was subsequently commenced on multiple daily subcutaneous injections of insulin. On the 7th day of hospitalisation, a right foot drop with sensory loss on the dorsal surface and cellulitis were detected and the latter responded to intravenous antibiotics. Electrophysiology demonstrated reduced nerve conduction velocity indicative of severe axonal damage of the sciatic nerve (SN). Physiotherapy along with vitamins B6 and B12 and magnesium were prescribed. Twelve months later there was no sign of clinical improvement and the selective damage of the SN was deemed to be permanent. Peripheral neuropathy can occur in children with newly diagnosed T1D.Abbreviations: DKA: diabetic ketoacidosis; DN: diabetic neuropathy; HbA1c: glycated haemoglobin; MRC: Medical Research Council; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; PICU: paediatric intensive care unit; SN: sciatic nerve; T1D: type 1 diabetes.

The Intervention of Parents in Supporting of Diabetes Type 1 in Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of parents is very important as it enhances the psychology of adolescents resulting to the normal course of the disease. AIM: Investigate the perceptions of adolescents in order to support families in the management of T1D. MATERIAL & METHODS: It is a descriptive study and 56 patients participated. The Diabetes Social Support Questionnaire-Family Version (DSSQ-Family) and some demographic and clinical characteristics were used. The study conducted in the outpatient unit for pediatric diabetology of the 4th Department of Pediatrics in one tertiary General Hospital in a major city of Northern Greece. RESULTS: Younger adolescents felt more supported by their families. Overweight adolescents experienced less support with respect to insulin injections (p = -.333, r = .018), as did the taller respondents (p = -.323, r = .022). Respondents taking more insulin units felt less supported in general (p = -.268, r = .047) and with respect to blood tests (p = -.290, r = .034). Adolescents carrying out more blood glucose measurements felt less supported concerning their meal plan (p =-.307, r = .028), which they rarely complied with (p =-.322, r = .023). CONCLUSIONS: The parental presence is very important enhancing a positive mindset on the part of adolescents and helps achieve the desired treatment results.