The Type 1 Diabetes Delay Program at Children’s National Hospital provides expert, specialized care for children and teens with early‑stage type 1 diabetes or those whose screening tests show they may be at higher risk for developing the condition. Our dedicated care team partners with families to closely monitor diabetes progression, offer clear education and guidance and provide treatments that may help delay the start of clinical type 1 diabetes.
What is early-stage type 1 diabetes?
Early-stage type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells before symptoms. Children may feel healthy, but blood tests show future risk.
Our Providers
Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.
Contact Information
For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327), and for information, please call 202-476-2121.
Why do families choose Children’s National for early-stage type 1 diabetes care?
- Leading the way in early type 1 diabetes screening. Children’s National participates in leading type 1 diabetes screening programs, including TrialNet and ASK (Autoimmunity Screening for Kids) the Experts Study. These programs help identify children who may be at increased risk for type 1 diabetes—often before symptoms appear—so families can better understand their child’s risk and explore early monitoring, support and care options with expert guidance. The Type 1 Diabetes Delay Program sees children and adolescents identified as being at increased risk for type 1 diabetes, including patients with positive diabetes-related autoantibodies or early-stage type 1 (Stage 1 or Stage 2).
- Setting the standard for earlier, smarter treatment. Children’s National was among the first pediatric hospitals in the Washington, D.C., region to offer teplizumab (Tzield)—an FDA‑approved treatment shown to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in some children. Our program focuses on promising early therapies designed to help protect the insulin‑producing cells and slow disease progression. Families also have access to ongoing research studies and clinical trials, giving children the opportunity to benefit from the latest advances in prevention and early treatment.
- Recognized nationwide for clinical excellence. The Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Children’s National is ranked among the top 10 programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Your child will be cared for by pediatric endocrinologists (a doctor who specializes in hormones and conditions like diabetes) and diabetes specialists known nationwide for their expertise in early detection and prevention of type 1 diabetes.
- A team-based approach to care. The Type 1 Diabetes Delay Program is a team-based approach to care. At your visit, you can expect to meet with endocrinologists, diabetes educators, psychologists, registered dietitians and other specialists. Care may include:
- Lab testing
- Glucose tracking
- Nutrition guidance
- Emotional support
- Evaluation for therapies that may help slow disease progression
Conditions and Treatments
The Type 1 Diabetes Delay Program cares for children and adolescents identified with early-stage type 1 diabetes or those at increased risk for developing the condition, including:
- Early-stage type 1 diabetes (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
- Positive diabetes-related autoantibodies, which indicates that the immune system has begun attacking the body’s own insulin‑producing cells
- Abnormal glucose testing without symptoms of diabetes
- Increased risk for type 1 diabetes identified through screening programs
- Children with a family history of type 1 diabetes and positive screening results
Referrals
Referrals from pediatricians, specialists or screening programs are welcome and can be faxed to 202-476-4095.
Locations
Main Hospital
- Specialty Care
- Emergency Care