THE ROLE OF CHRONIC AND OF SUBACUTE INFECTIONS IN DIABETIC CHILDREN

Abstract

That acute infections produce an aggravation of symptoms in the usual diabetic child is a well known fact. With many others,¹ we have observed that low grade and early diabetic conditions are recognized first during acute colds and tonsillitis. The rôle of chronic and subacute infections in the diabetic child is not so well defined and requires more exacting studies. During the past six years, approximately sixty diabetic children under the care of the pediatric department of the University Hospital were studied, and particular attention was paid to the rôle played by chronic and subacute infections. These children were observed at intervals varying from six weeks to six months, and more frequently when emergencies developed. As part of the routine physical examination, every patient was studied by the department of otolaryngology, and given treatment when necessary. As acute infections so obviously decrease the tolerance for sugar in the diabetic