Your child’s development depends on the endocrine system. Growth hormone from the pituitary gland regulates growth, body fat, and bone and muscle development. Insulin moves glucose into the cells, where it is used for energy. And when puberty occurs, estrogen, testosterone and other hormones trigger changes that transform a child into an adult.
That’s why hormone disorders can cause a myriad of problems in a developing child. Pediatric endocrine specialists in the Sutter Health network offer expertise in all areas of pediatric endocrinology, including:
- Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes).
- Growth, thyroid and puberty disorders.
- Pituitary hormone deficiencies.
- Turner Syndrome, Prader Willi Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome.
Our endocrinology team has a wide range of clinical experience and expertise in providing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and management of complex hormonal problems, helping children function at their best and mature into healthy adults. We understand that a child is not just a small adult, but a growing person who needs specialized care.
Along with pediatric endocrinology doctors, our multidisciplinary teams include nurses, certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, social workers and nurse practitioners. We work closely with other specialists and child-life experts to assist our young patients in adjusting to their condition. We also help adolescents adjust from pediatric to adult disease management.
To stay at the forefront of the field, Sutter Health network endocrine staff play leadership roles in clinical research and drug trials. Current clinical research programs focus on growth disorders and diabetes.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Our pediatric team provides specialized services for diagnosis, care, education and research related to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This includes compassionate psychological support and counseling, as well as continuing diabetes care for children and adolescents to minimize hospitalizations and prevent diabetic complications.
Services include:
- Insulin Pump Services — Using insulin pumps that look like a small pager, children with diabetes can gain a sense of normalcy and greater enjoyment of childhood.
- Pediatric Endocrine and Nutrition Services (PENS) — Specialized nurses, dietitians and social workers teach children and their families how to manage diabetes. The PENS Clinic is recognized by the American Association of Diabetes Educators as a Center of Excellence.
- Teen Program — Teens meet monthly to support each other in achieving diabetes goals and to develop friendships with other teens with diabetes.
- Group Classes — These are offered for self-managed Type 2 diabetes in collaboration with the Pediatric Healthy Lifestyle Program, a customized, nutritionally balanced weight management plan.
- Educational Seminars and Workshops — Sessions related to the care of pediatric diabetes are offered by local and visiting diabetes experts.
- Special Appointments — We offer appointments tailored to your needs, including team appointments, appointments for the newly diagnosed, group appointments for advanced insulin pump users and individual appointments with a nurse, dietitian or social worker.
The Diabetes Program for Children and Adolescents is an AADE Recognized Program and is approved by the California Children’s Services.
