Pediatric Diabetes
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Excellence in pediatric diabetes care
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals consistently rank among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation for diabetes and endocrinology care, according to U.S. News & World Report. Our experts tailor treatment to each child's needs, helping patients and families enjoy a better quality of life. We treat people from birth to age 21 with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Specialized expertise in childhood diabetes
Managing diabetes in kids involves more than food and insulin. We partner with children and families to help them navigate the physical, emotional and day-to-day challenges of living with diabetes.
Diabetes education is a core part of our care. We offer classes and one-on-one sessions to help families choose and master tools such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).
While under our care, your family works with experts, including:
Pediatric endocrinologists
Certified diabetes educators
Registered dietitians
Social workers
Child psychologists
Child life specialists
Improving diabetes care through research is part of our mission. We study emerging treatments, such as immunotherapy and stem cell therapy, as well as ways to improve the use of existing treatments.
Early detection for type 1 diabetes in children
A simple blood test can detect type 1 diabetes (T1D) in its earliest stages, before symptoms appear. With the right treatment, we can help families slow the progression of T1D and delay the need for insulin. Learn about our services for early T1D detection and management.
Transition to adult diabetes care
We build lasting relationships with families, making sure our patients continue to receive the best care at every stage. As our patients grow, our transition program helps them learn to manage diabetes on their own, so they're ready for the next chapter of life.
Excellence in pediatric diabetes care
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals consistently rank among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation for diabetes and endocrinology care, according to U.S. News & World Report. Our experts tailor treatment to each child's needs, helping patients and families enjoy a better quality of life. We treat people from birth to age 21 with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Specialized expertise in childhood diabetes
Managing diabetes in kids involves more than food and insulin. We partner with children and families to help them navigate the physical, emotional and day-to-day challenges of living with diabetes.
Diabetes education is a core part of our care. We offer classes and one-on-one sessions to help families choose and master tools such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).
While under our care, your family works with experts, including:
Pediatric endocrinologists
Certified diabetes educators
Registered dietitians
Social workers
Child psychologists
Child life specialists
Improving diabetes care through research is part of our mission. We study emerging treatments, such as immunotherapy and stem cell therapy, as well as ways to improve the use of existing treatments.
Early detection for type 1 diabetes in children
A simple blood test can detect type 1 diabetes (T1D) in its earliest stages, before symptoms appear. With the right treatment, we can help families slow the progression of T1D and delay the need for insulin. Learn about our services for early T1D detection and management.
Transition to adult diabetes care
We build lasting relationships with families, making sure our patients continue to receive the best care at every stage. As our patients grow, our transition program helps them learn to manage diabetes on their own, so they're ready for the next chapter of life.
Providers
Tariq Ahmad, MD
Endocrinology • Pediatric Endocrinology
Sonali Belapurkar, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Gina Capodanno, MD, MS
Pediatric Endocrinology • Endocrinology
Eda Cengiz, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Awards & achievements
One of the nation's best for endocrinology & diabetes care
Center of excellence for diabetes research (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
Treatments
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Diabetes Education
- Diabetes Management
- Diabetes Screening
- Insulin Pump
- Insulin Therapy
Trials & research
Clinical trials
A Randomized Phase 1/2 Trial of Low Dose Anti-thymocyte Globulin (ATG) With Subsequent Adalimumab or Verapamil in New Onset Type 1 DiabetesOpens in a new window
This multi-center randomized controlled trial will assess the safety and efficacy of ATG followed by either adalimumab or verapamil in preserving insulin secretion 2 years from randomization in persons aged 9 to <21 with recent-onset stage 3 T1D.INHALE-1st: Afrezza® For Youth With Newly-Diagnosed Type 1 DiabetesOpens in a new window
INHALE-1st is a Phase 2, single-arm, multi-center, clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Afrezza in combination with subcutaneously-injected basal insulin (BI) for youth 6 to <18 years old with newly diagnosed stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D). The study will also evaluate the effect of an Afrezza plus BI reigmen on participant and parent/legally authorized representative satisfaction...SAFety and Efficacy of Human Anti-thymocyte ImmunoGlobUlin SAB-142 ARresting Progression of Type 1 DiabetesOpens in a new window
This is a Phase 2b, investigator- and participant-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of SAB 142 in patients with Stage 3 New Onset of Type 1 Diabetes (NOT1D).A Study of Dulaglutide (LY2189265) 3.0 mg and 4.5 mg in Pediatric Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (AWARD-PEDS PLUS)Opens in a new window
The main purpose of this study is to evaluate additional dosing options for dulaglutide in pediatric participants with Type 2 Diabetes. Participation in this study will last about 8 months.
Research initiatives
UCSF Diabetes Center ResearchOpens in a new window
Our center conducts basic, clinical and translational research on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including studies on immunology, stem cell development, and obesity and metabolism.
Recommended reading
Early Detection & Management of Type 1 Diabetes
Identifying and treating the early stages of type 1 diabetes can slow its progression and delay the need for insulin therapy.
Avoiding Diabetes Burnout: Tips for Parents
If your child has diabetes, managing their care can be overwhelming at times. Get our tips to help avoid burnout so you and your child can feel your best.
Carbohydrates and Diabetes in Children
Carbohydrates, including many "sugar-free" foods, raise blood sugar levels. If your child has diabetes, learn how counting carbohydrates can help.
Diabetes and Teen Driving
If your teen has diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is extra important while driving. Create a driving contract with guidelines for testing and more.
How to Reach Your Child's Diabetes Care Team
Our diabetes resources include your care team's phone numbers, books for children and adults, local support groups and websites for staying healthy.
Hyperglycemia Home Care for Children
If your child has diabetes, managing their blood sugar levels is critical. Learn to recognize the signs of high blood sugar and what to do.
Hypoglycemia Home Care for Children
Managing blood sugar levels is critical if your child has diabetes. Learn to recognize the signs of low blood sugar and what to do if it happens.
Managing Diabetes When Your Child is Sick
If your child has diabetes, their blood sugar levels can go up or down if they catch a cold, flu or other common illness. Learn more about what you can do.
Routine Diabetes Tests and Screenings for Children
If your child has diabetes, certain tests help manage their blood sugar and health. Learn more about these tests and the numbers you need to know.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Diabetes Youth Families Camp
This summer camp is for kids with diabetes and their families. Find out how on-site diabetes volunteers monitor blood sugar levels for a safe experience.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.