The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus implies a life-time regimented by insulin therapy, dietary manipulations and monitoring glycaemic control. There is also the ever present risk of ketosis and hypoglycaemia and as the child grows up there is an increasing awareness of the later complications of diabetes. This paper is concerned with the care of the child with diabetes from diagnosis, within the context of his home and school, with an emphasis on the emotional response of the child and his family.