ESPE Abstracts

Background: Glycaemic control is adversely affected by family conflict derived from the psychological impact of the disease upon parents.

Objective and hypotheses: To identify parental psychological stressors and thus interventions deemed useful to provide parental support.

Method: 252 diabetic children were identified and PIP questionnaires were sent to each household to assess parental stress. Two parental focus groups were held to discuss the areas of concerns raised in the questionnaire.

Results: The emotional distance questionnaire category scored the highest scores. Focus groups highlighted the pressure of providing 24-h care for their diabetic children.

Conclusion: Caring for a child with diabetes has a psychological impact on parents.