Diabetes Program
Our Diabetes Program provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for children and adolescents with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as diabetes related to other conditions such as cystic fibrosis, monogenic diabetes, and glucocorticoid therapy. We follow over 600 children and teens with diabetes and see 50 to 80 new referrals each year.
We are based in London, Ontario and provide outreach clinics to Sarnia and Stratford, Ontario. Through our affiliation with the Department of Paediatrics at the Schulich School of Medicine, we serve as an academic resource centre for physicians and health care professionals caring for children with diabetes across Southwestern Ontario.
Our program believes in a patient-centred approach to diabetes care, and we pride ourselves on developing strong relationships with our patients and their families. We have an active insulin pump program, with approximately half of our patients currently on insulin pump therapy, and we offer patient and family educational workshops on a regular basis. We are also associated with Camp Discovery, a summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes.
Our Diabetes Program is a primary site for the Breakthrough T1D Canadian Clinical Trial Network (formerly the JDRF CCTN) and we are currently involved in several studies, including insulin pump and continuous sensor trials, transition to adult care, and research into the early signs of complications of Type 1 diabetes.
Diabetes Education Program
We understand that the diagnosis of a new medical condition like diabetes can be stressful for families. Our Diabetes Education Program is designed to provide patients and families with the information they need so they can return to normal daily activities as soon as possible.
Once the diagnosis of diabetes is established, patients and their families are brought to the Diabetes Education Centre, located in the Paediatric Medical Day Unit (Zone B, 1st floor) at Children's Hospital, where they begin to meet the Diabetes Team.
Phase 1 (1 full day (8am-5pm) + 1 half day (8am-12pm)): Initial diabetes education focuses on the basics of diabetes and the skills necessary to manage it independently, including:
- Home blood glucose monitoring (at least 4 times daily)
- Insulin injections by child and parents (typically 4 times daily)
- Management of low or high blood sugars
Following Phase 1 education, families are provided with contact information and are encouraged to stay in touch with their Diabetes Team on a regular basis.
Phase 2 (4 weekly sessions, 2 to 3 hours per session): Advanced diabetes education builds on the skills learned during Phase 1, with a focus on independence in diabetes care, including:
- Sick-day management
- Independent insulin dose adjustments
- Meal planning and carbohydrate counting
- Available Resources
- Funding
Ongoing Diabetes Care
Following diabetes education, patients and families are encouraged to stay in touch with their Diabetes Team by phone or email. Families usually contact us to discuss:
- Questions about blood sugar control and insulin dose adjustments
- Help with managing sick days
- Opportunity to discuss challenges in diabetes management as it related to:
- School routines
- Work schedules
- Athletics and other extra-curricular activities
Children with diabetes continue to be seen in our Diabetes Clinic every 3 to 4 months, until the age of 18 years.
Our Diabetes Clinic
It is recommended that children and their caregivers be seen in clinic every 3 to 4 months. In clinic, you will see your Diabetes Doctor and can meet with other members of your Diabetes Team.
The goals of Diabetes Clinic are to:
- Review blood sugar levels and provide recommendations about insulin dose adjustments
- Review appropriate daily diabetes routines
- Review appropriate healthy eating habits
- Review overall health status
- Prescription refills
How to Prepare for Diabetes Clinic
- Bring your diabetes logbook with recent blood sugar levels, and your blood sugar monitor if applicable
- Bring a record of your current insulin doses
- Upload your insulin pump, if you have one, one day prior to the appointment
- Upload your insulin pump for review at clinic and with your diabetes team between appointments; all current pumps on the Canadian market have online upload platforms
- Bring a record of any other medications
- Bring a list of questions you wish to discuss with your Diabetes Team
Insulin Pump Program
Many of our patients manage their diabetes with insulin pump therapy, which can offer much more flexibility with diet and activities for a child living with diabetes.
Currently in Canada there are this insulin pumps available:
If you are interested in learning more about insulin pumps, please talk to your Diabetes Team at your next clinic visit.
We also offer 4-6 pump information sessions per year; ask your team about these sessions in clinic.
The Facts
- Type 1 diabetes is not preventable.
- The acute and long-term complications, including ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, and end-organ damage, are preventable with proper education and regular follow-up with a Diabetes Team.
