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Diabetes is a dangerous illness that demands constant vigilance to keep it in check, but children face their own uniquely formidable challenges where diabetes is concerned, such as learning skills they'd rather not know. The Diabetes and Endocrine Center for Children and Young Adults at Phelps Memorial Hospital is the only practice in the tri-state area that offers a two-day, in-patient training program for children who are beginning insulin pump therapy to manage their diabetes.
Among the largest pediatric endocrinology groups in the U.S., Phelps is directed by endocrinologist Richard Noto, MD. He describes the need for admitting young patients to the hospital for training in the use of the pump as tremendously important: "This method of inpatient education fosters greater understanding and reduces stress on patients and parents. It gives everyone who faces diabetes each day an educational environment that is supportive and nurturing, and the training has a lasting impact."
Orientation actually begins one week prior to the hospital stay. Pumps are distributed to children when they arrive at Phelps to attend the overnight sessions. "While staying two nights in the hospital, children and their parents or other caregivers learn how the pump works and are shown everything they need to know about regulating the flow of insulin," says Noto.
During the hospitalization, patients' blood glucose levels are monitored. Insulin therapy is constantly changed to respond to these blood glucose changes. "We find there is a much higher success rate with this intensive inpatient training program than when patients are given the pump in a doctor's office," says Noto.
After discharge from the hospital, patients are followed closely for a few weeks to continue to adjust their insulin treatment and make sure they are complying with their therapy. An emergency phone line is also available for parents to call in with any questions or concerns.
Diabetes might be a challenge, but kids at the Center receive the skills they need to overcome it.
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