During this year’s nationwide telephone campaign, which was conducted last week by the German Center for Diabetes Research together with the Competence Network Diabetes Mellitus, several concerned mothers wanted to know to what extent the stress caused by diabetes leads to lack of concentration and behavioral problems at school. Using the campaign’s two-hour hotline, diabetes patients and their families were able to ask experts questions about the pathogenesis, treatment and consequences of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes in childhood
The topic “Managing Diabetes in Everyday Life” was of particular interest. Almost all of the experts were asked questions about type 1 diabetes in childhood and adolescence. In at least three cases in children between seven and twelve years, a significant disturbance of social behavior was described which had nothing to do with the underlying disease in itself, but should be diagnosed and treated accordingly. Many parents and teachers are often overwhelmed and should therefore not be ashamed to ask for support. Each case of diabetes should be considered and treated individually. Also in this year’s telephone campaign it became obvious that there is still a great need for counseling on diabetes and that it is still necessary to dispel prejudices and stereotypes.
Ten physicians, scientists and psychologists from the Competence Network Diabetes Mellitus and the German Center for Diabetes Research participated as experts in the free, nationwide hotline on November 11, 2014.