Frequent Monitoring of C-Peptide Levels in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Subjects Using Dried Blood Spots Collected at Home.

Objective: To evaluate an approach to measure β-cell function by frequent testing of C-peptide concentrations in dried blood spots (DBSs).

Patients: Thirty-two children, aged 7 to 17 years, with a recent diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

Design: Mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) within 6 and again at 12 months after diagnosis, with paired venous and DBS C-peptide sampling at 0 and 90 minutes.

Care of children with diabetes as inpatients: frequency of admissions, clinical care and patient experience.

Aim: Hospital inpatient care for children with diabetes is frequently mentioned by parents as unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to examine the reasons for inpatient admission of children with diabetes and to understand patient and carer experience in order to improve services.

Methods: Questionnaires were given to medical teams, parents and children during admissions of children with diabetes under 16 years of age in three regions of England.

Inpatient care for children with diabetes: are standards being met?

Background: Hospital inpatient care is frequently mentioned by parents as unsatisfactory for children with diabetes. Ward staff are now less familiar with diabetes, as admissions are less common and diabetes management is more intensive.

Objective: To compare current practice with Department of Health Children's Diabetes Working Group care standards.