smiling diabetic child with continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

Diabetes Program (Childhood and Adolescent)

U.S. News & World Report - Best Children's Hospitals: Diabetes & Endocrinology 2025-2026 badge

Children’s National is home to one of the largest pediatric diabetes programs in the Mid-Atlantic region, providing care for children and young adults from Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland. With our extensive expertise in the long-term care of children and adolescents with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, we will equip you and your child with the best resources and education to successfully manage this chronic condition.

Our Providers

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.

Meet the Team

Contact Information

For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) and for information, call 202-476-3440.

Appointments Information

Why should you choose Children’s National for diabetes care?

Managing diabetes is a journey—and at Children’s National, you’re never alone. Our nationally recognized program offers comprehensive, personalized care for children and teens living with diabetes. From the very first diagnosis through ongoing treatment and follow-up, our dedicated team is here to guide, support and empower your family every step of the way.

Our experts take time to explain every detail, answer your questions and create a care plan that fits your child’s unique needs. We focus on building healthy habits and behaviors that improve quality of life today and for years to come.

Why families trust us:

Top 10 in the nation for diabetes care, ranked by U.S. News & World Report
American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognized program, ensuring the highest standards of care
A compassionate team committed to your child’s health, well-being and future

Programs and Services

We offer a variety of programs and specialized services to support patients and families throughout every stage of their diabetes journey. Our multidisciplinary approach is rooted in education, innovation and compassionate care.

Type 1 Diabetes Education

Our team provides comprehensive education and training for families newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, as well as ongoing support throughout the lifespan of care. Patients are referred to receive individualized and group education sessions focused on insulin management, nutrition, blood glucose monitoring, coping and more.

Families will meet with providers, certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES), registered dieticians and behavioral health professionals to ensure they feel confident and supported. Newly diagnosed patients are closely followed until stable, with access to care available 24/7 for illness or emergencies.

T1Delay Early Screening

We offer T1Delay clinics where a team of specialists works together to support your child. As part of these visits, we can do a simple blood test to check for early signs that may show a higher risk for type 1 diabetes. Identifying stage 1 or 2 type 1 diabetes before symptoms begin allows families to prepare early and explore prevention options, such as Tzield, which may help delay the onset of clinical disease. We provide Tzield infusions within Children’s National Hospital.

Type 2 Diabetes Program

Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes Care

Diabetes Food Pharmacy

Located within the Diabetes Care Complex, the Food Pharmacy provides medically tailored groceries to families experiencing food insecurity. In partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, eligible families can receive three bags of nutritious food designed to support their specific health needs. The program also supports the Special Immunology Clinic and Hypertension Clinic, integrating food access into comprehensive, patient-centered care. Learn more about the Food Pharmacy.

Psychology Support

The psychosocial team within the Endocrinology & Diabetes department consists of three psychologists, two social workers and 2-4 trainees a year. We provide internal psychosocial support during annual consultations, brief therapy and interdisciplinary clinics for a range of concerns including adherence challenges, parent-teen communication, depression, anxiety, diabetes distress/burn-out and adjustment to new diagnosis. We also provide psychosocial supportive groups for patients with type 1 diabetes, parents of patients with type 1 diabetes and patients with type 2 diabetes.

Conditions and Treatments

Understanding your child's condition is an important step on your treatment journey. Learn more about the conditions we treat at Children's National.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Early-stage type 1 diabetes
Prediabetes
Cystic Fibrosis-related diabetes
Medication-induced diabetes
Neonatal diabetes
Monogenic diabetes
Post-transplant diabetes

Diabetes Camp

Our "Take Charge" Diabetes Camp offers children and teens living with diabetes a safe, supportive and fun environment where they can build confidence and connect with peers. Led by trained medical professionals and camp counselors, the program provides supervised recreational activities, diabetes education and experience with self-management.

Learn more about the camp

Preparing for Your Appointment

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in and vitals
Bring all diabetes supplies—including meters, insulin pumps, CGMs and any necessary chargers or cables—and upload device data in advance through your device portal (such as Dexcom Clarity, t:connect or Glooko) if possible
Please write down any questions ahead of your visit. Your first appointment typically lasts 2–3 hours, while follow-ups are usually shorter

During Your Appointment

Your child’s visit is customized to their needs and includes time with our multidisciplinary team:

Endocrine providers
Certified diabetes educators
Dietitians
Behavioral health specialists
Research staff (when applicable)

We may review medical and family history, perform a physical exam, analyze device or glucose data, discuss recent lab results and work together to set goals that support diabetes management and overall wellbeing