Endocrinology in Minnesota

Pediatric Diabetes Service Group

Because of the special requirements for children, the pediatric diabetes program uses pediatric endocrinologists, a pediatric nurse diabetes educator, pediatric registered dietitians, pediatric staff registered nurses, a pediatric social worker, a child psychologist, and the child-life staff.

The child with newly diagnosed diabetes is admitted to Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital for an average stay of three to five days. The setting is informal. The treatment program uses two or three injections of insulin per day. The child and family spend two to six hours per day in one-to-one teaching sessions with pediatric program staff.

For younger children, instruction is geared to the parents, who will be responsible for managing the child's care. Teenagers learn to function independently, with parents in a supporting role. Program staff assist the child/teenager and family in mastering the information and skills necessary for managing diabetes at home. Specialized audiovisual and print materials are used. Program staff assess the emotional needs and support systems of the child/teenager and the family and work with them to help them adjust to living with diabetes.

For the first few days to weeks after dismissal, the child and family are in contact with the pediatric endocrinologist or nurse diabetes educator to determine insulin doses and answer questions. A pediatric diabetes clinic appointment is scheduled for six weeks after dismissal. Outpatient follow-up visits are scheduled about every three to six months to assess the child's level of diabetes control, adjust the treatment program, provide assessment/education, and help the family with any problems that may have developed.

Pediatric education services are offered continuously throughout the year. Hours for outpatient education services are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Inpatient education services are available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Consultation for pediatric patients with diabetes may be obtained by contacting the appointment secretary for pediatric endocrinology and metabolism at (507) 284-2091.

Consulting Staff Physician Chair: W.F. Schwenk, M.D.