Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and child abuse: is there a relationship?

Many of the family psychosocial variables significantly related to child abuse are also significantly related to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) control. These variables are reviewed, and an increased child abuse risk factor for children with IDDM is discussed. Behavioral indicators of families experiencing difficulty in coping with IDDM are provided. These indicators are associated with both diabetes control and child abuse and should be recognized by diabetes health-care professionals.