Managing diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents: some guidelines for family physicians.

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is a relatively common condition affecting children and adolescents. Successful management from the time of diagnosis can help prevent chronic complications of diabetes. This article reviews initial and follow-up management of diabetes in children. Guidelines for management during the remission phase, exercise, hypoglycemia, and illness, and the problems of recurrent ketoacidosis management in adolescence are discussed. The keys to successful management of diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents are patient and family education, continued support and encouragement, and early detection of and counselling for the dysfunctional family.