Overview

Experts in Mayo Clinic's Pediatric Diabetes Program develop a personalized care plan for each child with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Experienced professionals — including pediatric endocrinologists, pediatric nurse diabetes educators, pediatric registered dietitians, pediatric registered nurses, pediatric social workers, child psychologists and child-life staff — work together as a team to meet your child's needs.

The pediatric diabetes team assists your child and family to master the knowledge and skills necessary for managing diabetes at home. For younger children, instruction is geared to the parents. Teenagers will learn to function independently, with parents in a supporting role. Staff members also assess emotional needs and support systems to help your child and your family to adjust to living with diabetes.

  • Inpatient care and education. If your child is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he or she will be admitted to Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital for an average stay of three days. In an informal setting, you and your child spend two to six hours a day in one-on-one teaching sessions with pediatric program staff.
  • Follow-up services. Outpatient follow-up visits are scheduled about every three to six months to assess level of diabetes control, adjust the treatment plan, provide assessment and education, and help you with any problems that may have developed. For urgent matters, 24/7 phone coverage is available.
  • Outpatient education. Pediatric diabetes education services are offered throughout the year. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These services are available to your family if your child is seeing a Mayo Clinic pediatric endocrinologist.