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A detailed survey of the socioeconomic and emotional effects of diabetes mellitus in 60 insulin- dependent adults is described. The results confirm and extend the clinical impression that insulin- requiring diabetics often suffer considerable anxieties and innumerable problems related to their disease. Attention is drawn to the damaging effects of severe hypoglycæmia on personality, on family relationships and on the patient's future attitudes toward diabetes. The vital importance of individual counselling according to the needs of each diabetic is discussed. This includes management of the diabetic regime within the concept of the patient's life style and employment. Advice is essential to help the patient to gain suitable employment, life insurance and adequate recreation. Fears about the diabetic regime, heredity and child bearing, and the future will be voiced by the patient only if he is given time, encouragement and understanding.
Mills et al. (Sat,) studied this question.