The parents of 34 adolescents with type I diabetes were interviewed using the Camberwell Family Interview, a well validated and reliable standardised interview which measures aspects of family interaction previously reported as important in the families of diabetics. Contrary to predictions from previous research, poor glycaemic control was not associated with parental apathy, criticism of the child with diabetes, or marital discord. Greater emotional involvement by parents was associated with good glycaemic control. Overall, there was close agreement between parents in their responses although mothers showed more accurate appraisal of their child’s diabetes than did fathers.

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