Childen's Hospital Boston 300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
X
Clinical Services (Type 2 Diabetes Program):
The Patient Experience
Teens The Type 2 Diabetes Program at Children's Hospital Boston is part of the Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) Program. Together, we work with patients who have, or are at risk for, type 2 diabetes to educate them about the importance of nutrition and lifestyle choices.

In addition to the standard OWL Program evaluation and resources, patients with type 2 diabetes also receive appropriate diabetes education, diabetes-specific resource materials and diabetes health monitoring by pediatric endocrinologists.

Our team is a multi-specialty group, including attending physicians, registered dietitians, endocrine nurses, diabetes nurse educators, psychologists and social workers.

Medical evaluation
All new patients will be evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist. This examination includes:
  • a comprehensive personal and family history
  • a physical examination
  • laboratory tests
  • diabetes education and management
The purpose of this evaluation is to identify any additional underlying medical conditions (such as a hormone problem) and potential complications (including high cholesterol or gastrointestinal disease).
Nutritional counseling
Low GI pyramid
Low GI pyramid
Dietary modification is the primary treatment used in the Type 2 Diabetes Program. Only under rare circumstances are weight-reducing medications considered.

Patients meet with staff to complete an analysis of their diet and are then given an individualized meal plan.

We frequently prescribe a "low glycemic index" diet to help stabilize changes in blood sugar after eating, thereby helping control excessive appetite. Other dietary approaches, such as a low-fat diet and a protein-sparing modified fast, are also available.

During the initial evaluation, families meet privately with a dietitian to discuss practical aspects of starting our recommended meal plan.

Behavior modification
Behavior modification focuses on increasing motivation to change diet and physical activity levels -- which can affect type 2 diabetes. We use a combination of short-term individual and family psychotherapy sessions. These treatments may also help children cope with the emotional stress associated with being overweight and/or having type 2 diabetes. Research

Some patients in the Type 2 Diabetes Program and OWL program participate in research studies. You may be approached to participate in one of them. Your participation in any study is completely optional -- your decision will have no effect on the quality of care that you receive.

X
X The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice,
which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional.
X
X Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.