STUDY OF THE PERSONALITIES OF CHILDREN WITH DIABETES

Abstract

The statement that children with diabetes mellitus are like other children in personality before the onset of the disease is made with caution, because it may be argued that diabetes is an endocrinopathy and that such a condition is often accompanied with disturbances of personality. However, so many children with diabetes remain normal that we can only say that the changes in others are the result of the disease itself. The abnormal personality that not infrequently develops with juvenile diabetes is worthy of discussion and investigation. Experiences in dealing with a large number of diabetic children for a few years in a summer camp conducted by the New York Diabetes Association were reviewed, and certain facts and common factors presented themselves. During a recent summer camping period 114 children were seen, about an equal number of boys and girls, ranging in age from 6 to 18 years. The group was