Introduction

Working together to provide support
The healthcare team works together to inform, advise and support the patient and their family, not only in times of acute emergency (e.g. ‘hypos’ or periods of illness) but also at times of difficulty when coping with the everyday practical aspects of diabetes management. Many healthcare teams provide ‘after hours’ advice, and some countries have even incorporated this service into their national diabetes programmes. Most teams work with systems of good practice (such as the ISPAD Guidelines) or their own national clinical guidelines developed with patient and family involvement.

Invaluable standards of care
Many countries cannot supply the diverse number of professionals needed to support a team approach to care, and for many young people with diabetes, all advice comes through a single physician. Standards of care, such as the ISPAD Guidelines, are invaluable to the ‘single-handed’ team and new websites provide up-to-date information for patients that can be used to work with their physician. Many teams recognise difficulties in diabetes self-management and the resulting psychological issues: stress, anxiety, and depression. For most, these are reactive difficulties requiring simple professional support and advice.

DAWN Programme
If you want to learn more about the DAWN study for adults and their healtcare providers - please refer to www.dawnstudy.com