Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology

At Akron Children's, our pediatric endocrinologists provide expert, compassionate care for infants, children and teens with a wide range of hormone, growth and metabolic disorders. We take a team-based approach that includes diabetes educators, registered dietitians, nurses and social workers, ensuring your family has the support and education needed to confidently manage your child's condition. From routine care to complex diagnoses, we're committed to helping every child grow, thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Other conditions we treat include:

• Adrenal disorders
• Ambiguous genitalia
• Cushing's syndrome
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Metabolism disorders
• Obesity caused by an endocrine imbalance
• Ovarian and testicular dysfunction
• Pituitary disorders
• Thyroid disease

• Diabetes Camp PCP Medical History Form
• Blood Sugar Log - Arabic
• Blood Sugar Log - English
• Blood Sugar Log - Spanish
• Driving Contract
• Endocrinology release of information school form
• CGM School Form and ROI
• Insulin Injection School Form and ROI
• Insulin Pump School Form and ROI

Prediabetes in children has doubled in the last 20 years. To learn what parents can do to reduce the risk of their child developing prediabetes, Dr. Naveen Uli, the medical director of the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology at Akron Children’s, answers some questions about this alarming trend.

Why are cases of prediabetes in children increasing? 

The primary driver is the increase in overweight and obese kids. Weight gain has gone up significantly over the last two decades in children.

What happens once a child develops diabetes?

Once a child develops full-blown diabetes, that triggers a cascade of other organ involvement and other medical conditions, and that raises the risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea. So that’s really a cascade of health problems that are then lifelong.

What leads to the development of prediabetes?

Diet and inactivity are some primary causes. We have seen an increase in the total amount of calories consumed and the amount of empty calories consumed. And along with that, there is also the decrease in physical activity and increase in sedentary behaviors, like increased screen time. So, they are consuming more calories than before on a daily basis. At the same time, their bodies are burning fewer calories and the net effect is that there is increased storage of calories and fat, which leads to weight gain. This puts a lot of stress on their pancreas, which is the source of insulin and is key to maintaining normal blood sugars. The end result is that blood sugar starts going up.

Do kids’ and teens’ schedules play a role in the development of prediabetes?

It certainly matters. When there is breakdown in the schedule, there is eating on the go and more reliance on prepared, highly processed foods. Highly processed foods have less nutrients and are loaded with empty calories like sugars, fat and salt. Kids are also putting a lot of activities on their plates, and so sleep is decreasing. The effect is an increase in weight, and then that leads to an increased risk for prediabetes and diabetes.

How does screen time play a role in the development of prediabetes in kids?

A lot of education happens on the screen these days, and COVID has certainly affected this. Screen time has really gone through the roof as a result. This was happening even before the pandemic, but the pandemic just made it worse. I think we have yet to see the effect of the pandemic in terms of the increase in obesity in children and what effect that has on their risk for diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and all those health consequences of increased weight gain.

What are some ways parents can prevent prediabetes in their kids?

Starting very early is important. So, whenever you take your child for a well visit, pay attention to the weight trends of your child. Also, have the pediatrician plot the body mass index, which is a calculation of how the weight compares to the height. If that shows a rising trend very early on, that’s a clue that you should pay attention and nip it in the bud.  Because once the pounds are on the child, it is difficult to reverse that.

Of course, pay attention to your child’s schedule and eating habits. If you can, try to cook fresh vegetables, fruits, less processed foods, cut down on sugar-added drinks, the juices and sodas. Make sure your child gets at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. The screen time recommendation is under two hours.

Do you have questions about prediabetes, diabetes or your child’s health? Schedule an appointment with a pediatrician.

• Type 2 Diabetes Infographic

Risk factors:

• Family history of Type 1 diabetes
• Age: Most frequently diagnosed in children and teens

Talk to your pediatrician about any concerns.

• Type 1 Diabetes: Is your child at risk?

Diabetes and Endocrinology Resources

• Diabetes Center Content
• Endocrine Glands, Growth and Diabetes
• Growth

Fact sheets for Schools

• Diabetes and Sports Factsheet (for Schools)
• Diabetes Factsheet (for Schools)

The Diabetes Community Education Team at Akron Children's Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology provides fundamental training on diabetes management to school and childcare staff, enabling them to effectively care for children living with diabetes.

Professional Development Days

These sessions provide general education on diabetes management for staff members in school or childcare settings. Training is applicable for

• Nurses
• Teachers
• Health aids
• Coaches
• Bus drivers
• Staff

Designated Care Giver Training

This hands-on training is designed specifically for the people who will be providing direct diabetes care to an individual student regarding various aspects of diabetes management, including:

• Insulin administration.
• Glucose monitoring and management.
• Diabetes emergencies.
• Review of Diabetes Medical Management Plan.

Diabetes Education Team

The multidisciplinary team consists of a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, dietician and social worker.

Diabetes Community Education Team members:

• Amy Albrecht, MSN, APRN, CPNP, CDE
• Kristyn Bruno, MSN, RN, CDCES
• Danielle Dimengo, MS, RD, LD, CDCES
• Amanda Grewell MSW, LSW
• Jennifer Hovis BSN, RN, CDCES
• Sandra Easterling

To schedule training or for more information

Call 330-543-3276, option 3 or email endocrine@akronchildrens.org