Standardization of Terminology in Diabetes: Types and Family Histories

A questionnaire was sent out to a number of investigators working in clinical diabetes mellitus. The response confirmed the impression gained from the literature that uncertainty exists with regard to the use of the term “juvenile diabetes” and confusion as to the meaning of “blood relatives” and consequently “a positive family history.” On the basis of the replies obtained and from a review of the literature, an approach to standard classification is suggested which would include all known types of diabetes and provide a mechanism for comparing different diabetic groups.