Transitioning to Life with Pediatric Diabetes

Mason Childrens Mercy

Disclosure : Thank you to Children’s Mercy Wichita for sponsoring this post and for providing quality medical services to our community of moms and their babies.  

Diabetes is no longer as frightening as it once was. With proper care, the disease can be kept under control and children with diabetes can lead normal, active lives.

Take Derby, KS toddler Mason, for example. His mom’s concern continued to grow the summer of 2014 when he exessively asked for more water throughout the day and would wake up each morning in soaked clothing and bedding. After a visit to his local pediatrician and same-day admittance to the hospital, he was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes.

Receiving such news might cause some parents to panic, but the support and guidance from Children’s Mercy helped alleviate those fears. With such dedicated care, Mason was able to smoothly transition to his new health status and continue living his life as an active toddler!

The team at Children’s Mercy Wichita provides comprehensive care for patients with diabetes as well as support and resources for family members. We create treatment programs that empower patients to effectively self-manage their diabetes. Patients benefit from a team approach to care and ongoing research that has earned Children’s Mercy national recognition as a leader in treating children with diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders. We also focus on preparing patients to successfully manage diabetes into their adult years.

Team Approach

We incorporate a multidisciplinary approach to care that is centered on patient and family needs. Integrating a team approach to diabetes management helps the team provide the best possible care.

Education

Ongoing patient and family education is the foundation for successful diabetes management. We offer classes to meet the needs of our patients and families and help them overcome the effects of diabetes.  These classes can also help provide children and their families with additional knowledge and skills to effectively manage diabetes.

Support

We recognize that life with diabetes poses challenges for every member of the family. Our team provides services and support to help children and family members cope with the emotional aspects of managing diabetes

Diabetes never takes a vacation, and we understand the day-to-day care that you and your child must endure. It is important to understand the emotional and psychological stressors that you and your child may face so that you can provide the support and motivation to ensure successful diabetes management and compliance.

Resources for Emotional Support:

·       Developmental milestones and adapting diabetes care

·       Supportive communication with your child

·       Going back to school after diagnosis

Research

Research is an important part of the care we provide at the center. Our team continues to pursue studies that lead to new, more effective ways to treat and prevent diabetes. We have dedicated research staff to recruit patients and families for our studies.

The Diabetes and Endocrinology Department at Children’s Mercy was recently ranked as one of the top 25 programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Patients have access to a full range of care and support services to help them lead healthy lives. Patients benefit from a team approach to care and ongoing research that has earned us national recognition as a leader in treating children with diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders.


Dr. Randy BlueDr. Randy Blue is a Pediatric Endocrinologist and Medical Director of Children’s Mercy Wichita. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the KU School of Medicine Wichita. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine before completing his pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma. He then completed a fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Blue or one of the other Children’s Mercy pediatric endocrinologists, please call (316) 500-8900. For more information, visit childrensmercy.org/Wichita.

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