The pediatric diabetes program at Sutter Memorial Hospital is a part of both the Pediatric Endocrine and Nutrition Services (PENS) of Sutter Children's Center Outpatient Services and a part of the Sutter Diabetic Care Center. It is approved by California Children's Services as a regional center of care for children with diabetes and is the only diabetes education program in California recognized by the American Diabetes Association that is devoted exclusively to
children.

Capabilities
The Diabetes Care Center/Diabetes Program for Children and Adolescents offers complete diabetes care for patients and their families to promote optimal growth and health. The center emphasizes a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care to develop a personalized education and treatment plan. A composite report is provided to the family and referring physician. Periodic follow-up teaching and reassessment of compliance with the treatment plan is offered to all patients and their families.

The center provides insulin pump therapy to eligible patients. This is a well-orchestrated inpatient/outpatient program designed to optimize blood sugar control.

Programs at the center include special services such as:

• individualized consultation
• patient/family education and counseling
• children and teen workshops
• school outreach programs.

The Diabetes Program for Children and Adolescents co-sponsors an educational forum with Parents and Children Experiencing Diabetes (PACED). These meetings are held monthly at Sutter Memorial Hospital. PACED is an education and support group for parents and their children who have diabetes that also coordinates periodic activities with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the American Diabetes Association. The Diabetes Care Center also holds an annual health fair called Diabetes Alert Day, and participates in the Diabetes Prevention Trial (a national research study offering screening for individuals who have relatives with Type I Diabetes).

Outcomes
The Diabetes Care Center/Diabetics Program for Children and Adolescents prides itself on its high standard of care of children and adolescents with diabetes. Patients in the program report positive changes in food, exercise and monitoring of blood sugar levels and annual hospital readmission rates are consistently 6 percent or less.

Staffing
Team members include the medical director, certified diabetes nurse educator, pediatric registered dietitian and licensed clinical social worker. In addition, a pediatric audiologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech/language pathologist and respiratory care practitioner are available if needed.