Managing diabetes at home, school, and play.

When a child has an endocrine or metabolic disorder like diabetes, it can be hard for them to feel “normal.” They want to do all the things kids do. We’re here to help make that happen.

In addition to advanced care, we offer parents and families guidance, education, resources, and support.

We help kids live their best lives.

Endocrine and metabolic disorders cause imbalances in the way children’s bodies regulate certain functions. Endocrine disorders cause the body to produce too much or too little of a particular hormone. Metabolic disorders occur when the body cannot process specific nutrients or other substances. 

In a growing child, these imbalances can interfere with healthy development. Diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders may cause: 

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Delayed growth
  • Excessive hunger or thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight gain or weight loss

Comprehensive Endocrinology and Diabetes Care

We treat the full range of pediatric endocrine and metabolic disorders, including: 

  • Calcium disorders, including juvenile osteoporosis
  • Childhood diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
  • Delayed puberty
  • Disorders of growth and development
  • Disorders of mineral metabolism
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Short stature
  • Thyroid tumors
  • Turner Syndrome

At St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, our team coordinates care with your child’s primary care pediatrician and other specialists, including urologists, oncologists, and psychologists. And a family-first environment keeps you informed about every aspect of your child’s care.

Patient and Family-Centered Diabetes Services

Children can have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. However, it’s far more common for kids to have type 1 diabetes. Also called juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that prevents the body from making insulin, which is the hormone that controls sugar levels in the blood. 

The keys to managing childhood diabetes are:

  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Monitoring and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
  • Taking the correct medicines on schedule

Experienced pediatric nurses and certified diabetes educators can assist with medical management and daily diabetes self-care. Dietitians can help plan regular meal plans.