Experts on the ins and outs
The diabetes and endocrine team at Children’s Minnesota is the state’s go-to source for expertise on type 1 diabetes. But that’s just part of what we do. Our endocrinologists and other specialists provide a full range of services for children and teens with all kinds of endocrine disorders.
Our diabetes and endocrine team is made up of several types of professionals who work together to meet each child’s specific needs:
- Pediatric endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in caring for kids with diabetes and other disorders involving endocrine glands and the hormones they release. We’re fortunate to have nine board-certified pediatric endocrinologists at Children’s. They supervise the care of young patients with diabetes and other endocrine conditions.
- Pediatric nurse practitioners are nurses with advanced training who are licensed to examine, diagnose and treat young patients. The nurse practitioners in the diabetes and endocrine program are key members of our team. Some children alternate between seeing an endocrinologist and a nurse practitioner at office visits.
- Certified diabetes educators are registered nurses certified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). They teach kids with diabetes and their families the basics of managing the disease, such as how to check blood glucose and give insulin injections.
- Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts who have met specific educational and professional requirements. Our dietitians are also certified by the AADE. They teach kids with diabetes and their families how to follow a meal plan that helps manage the disease.
- Other professionals who round out our team help children and families cope with diabetes or another endocrine disease. Depending on your and your child’s needs, you may meet with a:
- Social worker, who provides emotional support and information about resources at
Children’s and within the community. - Psychologist, who is available by appointment if you find that your child is having difficulty
coping with having an illness. - Child life specialist, who helps your child understand an illness by using age-appropriate
language and teaching tools.
- Social worker, who provides emotional support and information about resources at
Our team also works with specialists from other fields to care for children with complex conditions that may include endocrine problems, such as cystic fibrosis, brain tumors and velocardiofacial syndrome.
If you’re visiting us, keep an eye out for our team leader:
Jennifer Kyllo, MD
Medical director of the diabetes and endocrinology program
Our full team of endocrinologists and specialists can be found below. (Click on their names to read their profiles)