Diabetes is one of the most common, chronic incurable diseases of childhood.
Statistics indicate that the number of new cases of childhood diabetes
per year exceeds the annual number of new cases of cancer in children.
Most children and adolescents with diabetes require daily treatment with
injected insulin for their survival. Research has shown that keeping blood
glucose levels as close to normal as possible can help prevent long term
complications of diabetes such as eye, kidney and nerve damage as well
as cardiovascular disease. However achieving ideal control of diabetes
in childhood is challenging and can be frustrating for patients and their families.
The mission of the Children’s Hospital Diabetes Center is to help
our patients achieve optimal management of diabetes while they participate
fully in normal activities of childhood and adolescence. Our dedicated
team strives to formulate a customized diabetes management program for
the specific and changing needs of each patient and family.
Our multidisciplinary team
Pediatric diabetes nurse educators/coordinators
The goal of our diabetes nurse educators is to promote age appropriate
self-management skills for each patient under the guidance of their parents
and family, which will lead to excellent long-term health. Our full time
diabetes nurse educators and coordinators Bachelors of Science in Nursing
degrees and are Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE). They are all accredited
by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE).
Together, the nursing team has over 20 years of direct experience in care
of children with diabetes. Our nurses work directly with the patients
and their families from initial diagnosis through early adulthood. They
coordinate care and ongoing education and support for management of diabetes
at home, school and other community environments. The nurses also help
with changes and adjustments in management between clinic visits needed
to maintain optimal glucose control, as well as helping patients with
"sick day” management guidance. Our nursing team includes an
insulin pump certified trainer as well as outreach and liaison to assist
in various aspects of diabetes management at home, school and other community
activities.
Pediatric diabetes nutrition
The goal of nutrition management is to help each child achieve and maintain
normal or close to normal blood glucose levels in order to reduce the
risk of complications that arise from diabetes such as cardiovascular
disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, hypertension, retinopathy and amputations.
The management approach also focuses on achieving normal blood pressure
and lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and TG) through modifications
of nutrient intake and healthy lifestyle changes. To achieve these goals,
the dietitian works with the patient as a team member to address the individual’s
nutrition needs, while taking into account personal preferences, all while
maintaining the pleasure of eating by only limiting certain food choices.
Pediatric diabetes psychology support
The Psychology component of the Diabetes Center is centered on providing
behavioral and psychological support and intervention to families of our
patients with diabetes. Patients and their families are initially met
and evaluated upon diagnosis of diabetes. The psychology team helps with
supporting the family in learning how to maintain long term consistency
in managing diabetes that leads to good health in the face of this chronic illness.
Special attention is given to patients and their families who have difficulty
with following the long-term treatment regimen, coping with the psychological
and emotional consequences of a chronic illness across the developmental
period of childhood and adolescence. Psychology also provides additional
assistance in treating children with underlying psychological conditions,
such as depression, that may impair adequate care for diabetes. Patients
are seen on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Patients are also screened by Psychology to determine readiness and ability
for success in transition to the insulin pump therapy.
Social work
Social Workers provide a wide range of support services for families coping
with the diagnosis and long term management of diabetes. We provide links
for families to resources in the community which facilitate care of children
with diabetes. This includes acting as a liaison with school nurses, helping
with insurance and financial concerns and assisting in the transition
from pediatric care to adult services.
Fellowship program
The Endocrinology Department maintains a fellowship program recognized
by the American Board of Pediatrics to train the next generation of pediatric
diabetes specialists. The fellows are all graduate pediatricians with
special dedication to the care of children with diabetes.
