Why choose Cook Children's for diabetes care
Learning that your child has diabetes can be overwhelming. The good news is that it's manageable, and your child can live a long and healthy life. At Cook Children's, we're experts in pediatric diabetes. We treat more than 2,000 children each year and have earned recognition from the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education. Our team is part of the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative to improve diabetes treatment and works to educate our community. We're dedicated to providing the education, resources and effective treatments your child needs to thrive.
What you can expect
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition that affects a child's blood sugar. The most common type of childhood diabetes is type 1 diabetes. In this type, your child's body doesn't produce insulin, the hormone that manages blood sugar. As a result, sugar (glucose) builds up in their bloodstream.
In type 2 diabetes, a child might not produce enough insulin, or their body might not use it effectively. Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, but it can also affect children. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition in children and requires a multispecialty treatment approach. With both types, it's vital to manage blood sugar levels to keep your child as healthy as possible.
Our diabetes experts have vast experience treating diabetes and related problems in kids of all ages. We’re here to help your child and family through the highs and lows of living with diabetes.
Endocrinologists, diabetes educators, registered dietitians, social workers, pharmacists and clinical therapists work together to deliver complete diabetes treatment. All our diabetes educators are registered nurses and many of them have personal experience with diabetes. Our team also includes insurance specialists who help your family navigate costs and insurance coverage.
We're deeply committed to providing personalized, compassionate care. We recognize that a diabetes diagnosis is life-changing. Our team screens children for emotional distress and anxiety so we can offer comprehensive support for their physical and emotional health. Our team includes clinical therapists and child life specialists who help families manage the emotional aspects of care.
Your child has access to the latest diabetes treatments. From advanced technologies to new drug therapies that could delay type 1 diabetes, we offer a full range of advanced options.
In the first few days after diagnosis, families are asked to call our diabetes educators Monday through Friday. During these check-ins, we review your child's blood sugar levels and treatment and adjust their insulin dosages as needed. We're always available for phone calls during business hours to help guide your child's ongoing care and at nights for diabetic emergencies.
We offer specialized diabetes treatment at our Fort Worth and Prosper medical centers and multiple satellite clinics throughout North Texas. When necessary, our team also uses telemedicine to ensure your child gets access to the care they need.
Your specialized care team
Our team includes specialists, researchers, case workers and more.
- Hannah Davis, PA-C
- Emily Guthrie, APRN, CPNP-PC
- Teresa Newman, APRN, CPNP-PC
- Kristen Lomeli, APRN, CPNP-PC
- Laura Sapaugh, PA-C
- Stephanie Segelstrom, APRN, CPNP-PC/AC
- Kelly Tausend, APRN-FNP
- Lisa Truong, APRN, CPNP-PC/AC
- Candice Williams, APRN, CPNP-PC
- Taylor Wolff, CPNP-PC
Advancing diabetes care
We provide a wide range of diabetes treatments and support services. Our comprehensive program includes:
Your child gets admitted to Cook Children's Medical Center immediately after diagnosis. During this hospital visit, we:
- Comprehensively evaluate your child
- Educate your family about the diagnosis and treatment options
- Teach you about diabetes management, including nutrition and exercise
We ensure your child and family have the necessary skills to manage diabetes after you return home. Most families spend about 48 hours in the hospital. Afterward, our diabetes educators are available 24 hours a day for diabetes emergencies.
We typically see your child two weeks and then every three months after their inpatient visit. Diabetes management requires routine check-ins and adjustments. We're here to help your child transition through new phases in their care.
These office visits typically include your child's endocrinologist or advanced practice provider, diabetes educator and nutritionist. Our specialists educate and guide your family throughout treatment. Managing diabetes includes:
- Blood sugar monitoring: Your child needs frequent blood sugar checks to ensure their levels remain within the target range. Your child might use a blood glucose meter or a device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM uses a sensor inserted beneath the skin to measure blood sugar every few minutes. Some CGMs integrate with a smart device to alert you or your child when their levels are out of range.
- Insulin therapy: Children with type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin therapy. There are several types of insulin, including long- and fast-acting. Our diabetes educators help you understand what type of insulin your child needs and when to give it. Your child may receive insulin through injections or an insulin pump. Insulin pumps are small, wearable devices that deliver specific amounts of insulin at the touch of a button. Some insulin pumps integrate with CGMs using an algorithm, known as automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. AID systems monitor blood sugar to automatically deliver insulin and adjust dosages as needed.
- Medications: Children with type 2 diabetes may take oral or injectable medications to manage their blood sugar. These medicines can help your child release more insulin or use it more effectively. Some children with type 2 diabetes may require insulin therapy.
- Lifestyle changes: Living with diabetes often means making some changes to the type and amount of food your child eats. If your child needs insulin, our nutritionists and dietitians help you learn to count carbohydrates. Kids with diabetes need plenty of exercise, too. Our educators walk you through it all to help you and your child learn to manage this condition.
We also screen for diabetes complications in our office during outpatient visits, offering:
- Retinal scans for diabetes-related eye problems
- Urine tests to check for kidney problems
We continually look for ways to improve children's diabetes care. Our team participates in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative. Centers that take part in this program work together to find and develop best practices in diabetes treatment.
Pediatric Endocrine Society
Endocrine Society
European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology
American Diabetes Association
Congenital Hyperinsulinism International
National Lipid Association
Foundation for Prader-Willi Research
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association
American Thyroid Association
Moments of magic
Magical moments are happening every day at Cook Children's. Here are some of the latest highlights from Endocrinology.
