Pediatric Clinic

General Care Program for Pediatric Patients
The general care program provides families and patients with an understanding of Type 1 diabetes and encourages their confidence in its day-to-day management. The expectation is that by the time patients are ready to leave home for college or the work force, they will have the ability to manage their own blood sugars. Present evidence strongly suggests that consistent blood sugar control greatly diminishes the chances of long-term eye and kidney complications. Our pediatric endocrinologists participate in DirecNet which investigates improvements in glucose monitoring technology by following patients in clinical trials at our Center. Together with the Adult Clinic the BDC has been a driving force in diabetes care in the development of new technology for insulin delivery systems and blood glucose monitoring with the goal of constantly improving the management of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in children and improving long term outcomes in patients worldwide.
New Onset Classes
Newly diagnosed patients are referred to the Barbara Davis Center from all over Colorado and as well as from neighboring states and states throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Newly diagnosed patients and their families are given intensive and comprehensive individual training, care and counseling on a day-to-day basis with the clinical care team members from the Center. Once a week a half day new onset class is held for newly diagnosed patients and their families. Newly diagnosed patients continued to be followed intensively with daily contact if need be until the patient and family are comfortable with their care and in good control. Most patients will eventually be seen routinely four times a year. However, providers and help are available 24 hours a day for changes in regimens, emergencies and illnesses.
All newly diagnosed patients and their families receive a free copy of the Pink Panther, a book written by one of our clinicians, Dr. Peter Chase, available for both purchase and online. The Pink Panther series includes multiple editions, a new Spanish version and a book written especially for very young patients and, as well as a book for new insulin pump users.
The William Jackson Eye Clinic
The Eye Clinic screens for early assessment of eye and renal microvascular complications. Specialized services include fundoscopy, 7-field digital retinal photography and posterior chamber photofluorometry. The clinic tests for late stage diabetic retinopathy with a comprehensive panel of tests such as ETDRS (diabetic retinopathy severity grading), and visual field analysis.  Specialized services include fundoscopy, 7-field digital retinal photography and posterior chamber photofluorometry. The clinic also screens for a variety of ocular diseases including, but not limited to, anterior segment disease, glaucoma and cataracts. 
Clinical Psychology
Many of the obstacles to efficient control of blood sugars are due to important difficulties with family psychosocial issues. The clinic specializes in this field and works with families both on an individual and group basis.
Pump Initiation and Follow Up Clinics
Pump initiation clinic meets two times per month and all the insulin pumps are initiated on an outpatient basis. Also, follow up pump clinic is scheduled to allow interpatient discussions.
Pregnancy and Diabetes Clinic
Established in 1995, this highly specialized program allows young women with diabetes to be followed by an obstetrics team from University Hospital through their pregnancies.
Cardiovascular Clinic
This clinic focuses on macrovascular (large blood vessel) disease associated with diabetes through electrocardiography and peripheral Doppler examinations to detect early heart and peripheral blood flow problems, as well as 24-hour ambulatory monitoring for slight elevations in blood pressure or a loss of diurnal rhythm, also a risk factor in macrovascular disease.
The Core Laboratory
The core laboratory at the Center performs studies which include assays of serum levels of islet cell antibody and autoantibodies for associated autoimmune disorders, including celiac and Addison's disease. These assays can also be performed on patients’ relatives to determine those who are also at risk for developing these diseases. Elevated of specific autoantibodies typically precede clinical development of type 1 diabetes, celiac disease and Addison’s disease. Early detection of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes dramatically decreases the risk of early and acute complications and, for diabetes, may delay the onset of exogenous insulin requirements.
Special Courses
The Pediatric Clinic encourages opportunities for continuing education, participation in local support groups, special outings and parties arranged by the Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, and attendance at annual summer camps sponsored by the Colorado American Diabetes Association.  Indeed, many of our medical staff members as well as many other employees who have type 1 diabetes themselves volunteer to staff the camps each summer.
In addition to individual family instruction, the Center runs a number of special one-day courses each year. These include the College Workshop, Grandparents Workshop and "New to Clinic" Workshops. A national conference for health professionals on childhood diabetes is held every two years.