Diabetes Care Clinic

The Washington Nationals Diabetes Care Complex at Children’s National opened today offering a multi-disciplinary approach to supporting children with diabetes and their families. With state-of-the-art treatment rooms and a multi-functional education center, which includes a demonstration kitchen, the facility houses the largest pediatric diabetes program in the Mid-Atlantic region. In March 2007, the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation committed $1.25 million in cash and $750,000 in assets as the lead gift in the creation of the complex.

The Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes Program at Children’s National is the preeminent pediatric diabetes program in the Washington Metropolitan area. The program cares for more than 1,500 children and adolescents with Type 1, Type 2, and other forms of diabetes. There are over 4,500 visits from patients coming from the District, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania to seek treatment here, and no child is ever turned away. All patients initially diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are medically treated and taught management skills onsite at Children’s National. A comprehensive team includes physicians, certified diabetes educators, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, and psychology and social work services.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the United States. Approximately 21 million children and adults have diabetes, which represents 7% of the U.S.population. If not managed appropriately over time, children with diabetes are at greater risk of developing serious health complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, loss of circulation resulting in amputation of limbs, and stroke. The disease affects children and adolescents of all ethnic backgrounds; however, Type 2 diabetes is dramatically increasing in obese youth, particularly in Latino and African-American populations. There is no cure for diabetes. It is a 24-hour-a-day disease requiring intervention, monitoring, and balanced food choices to maintain a child’s health. The best chance for a child’s overall health and well-being is comprehensive management of the disease.

“Diabetes is an often over-looked, under-served illness. The foundation is thrilled to be able to use its leadership in the community to draw attention to the problem, and through its partnership with one of the nation’s leading institutions for children’s health care provide children with diabetes consistent first-rate care and hope for a healthier future,” Tanenbaum stated.

The Washington Nationals Diabetes Care Complex at Children’s National has subspecialty integration designed to prevent and treat complications related to diabetes,comprehensive out-patient social work,and a multi-disciplinary approach to address every aspect of a family’s needs.

“With the largest pediatric diabetes program in the region, Children’s National is proud to partner with the Nationals foundation to provide much-needed resources to a growing population of children,” added Edwin K. Zechman, Jr., President and CEO of Children’s National.