MEETING REPORT-The Genetics of Diabetes Mellitus: An International Seminar held in Heraklion, Crete, June 9-14, 2001

diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2, genetics, epidemiology, MODY, Wolfram syndrome. © 2001, by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. All rights reserved

An Endocrinologist's View of Genetic Disorders in Ancient Greece

As we have entered the DNA era, the study of paleogenetics has become an important research field. Therefore, it is worthwhile looking into ancient texts, vase representations and sculptures and, of course, skeletal remains, in order to track down the knowledge of our ancestors about congenital malformations and inherited diseases, in addition to factors related to epidemiology, genetic drifting, etc. The extensive Greek history rich in documents and art dating over several millennia and the great contribution of archeological and anthropological research provide an invaluable source to study the history of genetic disease in Greece from prehistory to recent years. Aristotle and other ancient Greek authors provided their observations on heredity, while evidence of various inherited diseases may be recognized in medical texts. The physical features of genetic causes of dwarfism, i.e. achondroplasia and pycnodysostosis, are accurately represented on vases dating back 2,500 years. Sculptures of hermaphrodites are in abundance throughout the Greek and Roman world. These are just a few examples from art and literature useful to delineate the evolution of knowledge about genetic disease through the centuries. © 2001, by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. All rights reserved

The Greek contribution to diabetes research

Interest in diabetes mellitus research has escalated in Greece during the last decade. This may be attributed to the realization that diabetes is becoming a major problem for the Greek population, the effect of the St Vincent Declaration in passing specific government legislation, and the founding of the National Hellenic Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes and its Complications. Research areas include epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, glucose metabolism, complications, prevention and treatment of the disease

A Greek physician’s portrait in Windsor Castle

To the visitor to Windsor Castle, the Thomas Lawrence portraits in the Waterloo Chamber represent the most important contributors to the military defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, by British, Prussian, Russian and Austrian forces at the Battle of Waterloo. Nevertheless, only few individuals realise that a Greek physician, Count Ioannis Capodistrias, a native of the island of Corfu, stands among these leading personalities as a diplomat, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who contributed remarkably to European unity in the early nineteenth century and as a statesman (‘Governor’ of Greece) with a tragic end to his life, after establishing a Greek State practically from ruins. © The Author(s) 2017

Transition of the adolescent from the children's to the adults' diabetes clinic

The transition of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from pediatric to adult diabetological care is a critical phase that requires special attention. A considerable proportion of adolescents encounters certain difficulties during this transition, which can negatively affect adjustment and glycemic control. Etiological factors include: (a) the adolescent's separation anxiety elicited by the process of departing from the pediatrician who functions as a secure base in a period of developmental turmoil; (b) certain developmental factors that adversely affect glycemic control and the patient-physician cooperation; (c) the tendency of the adult diabetologist to focus more on medical than on psychosocial components; (d) the lack of the appropriate preparatory work which would: (i) help the adolescent to successfully cope with the difficulties that may arise due to the transition and (ii) make feasible the establishment of the proper pediatrician-adult diabetologist cooperation required for the development of a continuum in diabetological care through which the adolescent's special needs can be best met. Practical propositions about certain basic problem-solving components concerning the transition from the pediatric to adult diabetes clinic are briefly discussed