Helping kids lead healthy, normal lives

When it comes to diabetes in children, we take an aggressive medical and educational approach to helping pediatric patients manage their health so they can lead a healthy, normal life. For example, we offer the largest insulin pump program in the state. We also participate in research and clinical trials, making them available to patients when appropriate. Our care team includes physicians, social workers, nurse practitioners, registered dieticians and others to provide continuity. Pediatric endocrinologists, nurse practitioners and certified diabetes educators work together in our education programs which include nutrition counseling and training in self-management techniques. Our diabetes education program is accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Patient care teams drive the heart of our diabetes clinic. Every patient will be assigned a physician, nurse practitioner, diabetes educator and medical assistant that will be see you at every visit.

We are able to see all patients with new-onset diabetes in an outpatient setting as long as they are not vomiting, have severe dehydration or are in diabetic ketoacidosis. This provides patients with comfort knowing that they do not need to be in a hospital and flexibility. Referring providers should call our referral line for all patients with new-onset diabetes. Our on-call team can help coordinate the initial appointment, along with any insulin dosing that may be needed prior to the appointment.

Keeping up with diabetes care is important as patients transition into adulthood. We help prepare and empower our patients to take ownership of their care as they grow up.

During childhood and young adulthood, we expect that you and your child will work together to manage the diabetes care process. It is important to not put too much responsibility on your child at too early of an age. When your child is in their freshmen year of high school, then we will introduce them to our transition program. This program gradually reviews information to help build independent living skills and prepare your child for managing their diabetes once they live on their own. We will create a plan with your endocrinologist, diabetes clinic team and family to determine when is the most appropriate time to transition to an adult endocrinologist.