Overview of Diabetes Center
The diabetes program at Children's of Alabama is one of the largest in the country serving more than 2,600 children with diabetes. We provide comprehensive services for infants, children, adolescents and young adults with type I and II diabetes, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, steroid-induced diabetes, post-pancreatectomy diabetes, and other rare forms of diabetes. Our services include diagnostic evaluation, management of the acute complications of diabetes, long-term management and follow-up care. We are accredited by the American Diabetes Program for over 15 years.
Mission
Children's believes that the care of children with diabetes and their families is an integral part of the child's health care. The Diabetes Center is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to patients diagnosed with diabetes. The diabetes team seeks to advance medical treatment and diabetes prevention through patient care, education and research.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Care
The Diabetes Center at Children's of Alabama is a multi-disciplinary program dedicated to the care of infants, children, adolescents and young adults with diabetes mellitus. The Diabetes Center combines the expertise of physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, licensed family therapist, diabetic nurse educators, clinical nurses and a large support staff. Children's Hospital is a teaching hospital and many of our specialists train other doctors. In addition to your child's main doctor, you may see Medical Students, Residents and Fellows. Our goal is to teach patients and their families how to effectively manage diabetes and to empower people with diabetes to live normal lives.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of diseases where high levels of blood glucose are seen in the blood that results from the body not producing or properly using insulin. Insulin is a hormone that our bodies use to change sugars, starches and other foods into energy that we need for day to day living. Research remains unsure on the cause of diabetes, however, it appears that genetics and environmental factors both play roles in the development of the disease.
References
http://www.new-fitness.com/Diabetes/terms.html
http://www.diabetes.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes
