| The Pediatric Endocrinology Division is composed of seven University-based faculty, three fellows, one endocrinology nurse, two diabetes nurse educators, and six research nurses, all housed within the offices of the Pediatric Endocrinology Division. The Division conducts three full days of general endocrinology clinics per week, and two full days of diabetes clinics per week in the Phillips-Wangensteen Building of the Minneapolis campus and at Fairview Ridges. Approximately 150 patients are seen in the general Endocrinology Clinic each year, with a wide variety of diagnoses encompassing all aspects of endocrine disorders.
The Pediatric Diabetes Program at the University of Minnesota, which follows approximately 350 patients, offers comprehensive diabetes services to children and adolescents with type 1, type 2, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and their families. A dedicated team with special expertise in children with diabetes is present during every clinic, and includes pediatric endocrinologists, diabetes nurse educators, dietitians who are Certified Diabetes Educators and a child psychologist. The team generally sees patients quarterly. Patients with poor diabetes control (Al c >9), difficult social problems, or specific education needs may be seen more frequently.
Newly diagnosed diabetes patients receive intensive individual instruction in beginning diabetes skills; unless they are medically unstable or in ketoacidosis, this is usually done on an outpatient basis. Subsequently, during routine diabetes clinic visits, patients and their families receive ongoing one-on-one instruction. The diabetes team has created innovative, patient-friendly education programs for children with diabetes and their families. These programs can help children and their families live full, flexible lives while still making healthy choices. The strong psychosocial component of this program can be used to address and possibly prevent problems associated with issues that commonly emerge when living with a chronic disease. Endocrine fellows and residents are intimately involved in the diabetes management and education program. The diabetes team spends a week volunteering at Camp Needlepoint (diabetes camp) each summer.
Inpatients are primarily seen at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview, adjacent to the clinic building. Endocrine stimulation tests are performed in the Masonic Day Hospital, also adjacent to the clinic building.
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