Support for families with diabetic children: Parents' views

Parents of 86 children (aged 10–17 years) with diabetes, were asked about the support they had received since their child's diagnosis. The major source of support cited was from hospital paediatricians and diabetes health visitors. Sixty‐six per cent of parents felt they had received sufficient support.

In comparison, the 34% of parents who were unsatisfied with support services, had a less cohesive family environment (p < 0.05); their children had diabetes of longer duration (p=0.01) and were younger at diagnosis (p < 0.05).

The unsatisfied group were less likely to have had contact with a diabetes health visitor (P < 0.05). There were no differences between the two groups in socioeconomic status or their children's age, sex or psychological function. Parents' suggestions for improving services included easy access to professionals, and consistency of advice.

The results of this study have potential implications for the delivery of medical care for children with diabetes.