The role of the paediatric interdisciplinary diabetes team in the care of children and adolescents with diabetes.

Abstract

The “Canadian Diabetes Association 2003 clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of diabetes in Canada” (1) recommend that all children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes should have access to an experienced paediatric diabetes health care team and specialized care starting at the time of diagnosis. The guidelines also suggest that children with type 2 diabetes should receive care in consultation with a multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes team. These recommendations are supported by the 2000 ISPAD (International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes) consensus guidelines (2). The ISPAD defines the essential multidisciplinary team members as a paediatrician specializing in diabetes/endocrinology (or a physician with a special interest in paediatric diabetes), a diabetes nurse educator and a dietitian. All team members should have training and expertise in diabetes, paediatrics, and growth and development. The ISPAD guidelines also indicate that children and adolescents should have access to paediatric psychosocial services.