Endocrinology

A message from our division chief

As new treatments and technological advances emerge in the world of pediatric endocrinology, our division is consistently among the first to utilize leading-edge approaches to serve our patients.

Starting with an early type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis, teplizumab treatment can delay the development of clinically apparent (stage 3) type 1 diabetes by an average of two years. Offering a slower progression into the disease allows more time for patient and family education and monitoring and building specialized knowledge to promote positive patient outcomes.

Technology is invigorating the future of type 1 diabetes management. We are the only pediatric center in the country to utilize the Rimidi remote patient monitoring platform, equipping our physicians with real-time glucose data for each patient. The use of highly intelligent "closed loop” insulin pumps is changing the lives of our patients and their families.

The treatments and technologies available today help us to care for our patients and keep them on track for healthy lifestyles. Physician-scientists within our division are in constant pursuit of new information to further support our patients through research. Our investigation into predicting complications of diabetic ketoacidosis during the COVID-19 pandemic was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism earlier this year.

The dedication to serving our patients with specialized care at every stage of their unique endocrinology journey is a key differentiator to the industry-leading care we provide.

Perrin White, M.D.

OUTCOMES

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Innovations in pediatric endocrinology: 2024 year in review

This past year, the Endocrinology department at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, part of Children’s Health, has led innovations transforming care in pediatric endocrinology. In partnership with UT Southwestern, we’re proud to share these advancements – which highlight our ongoing mission to make life better for children. Through groundbreaking clinical trials, new treatments and pioneering programs – we continue to be recognized among the nation’s best children’s hospitals.

Read about our latest innovations in pediatric endocrinology below:

Advancing a groundbreaking treatment that delays Stage 3 T1D

In September 2023, Children’s Health became one of the first centers in the country to provide Tzield® to a pediatric patient. This ground-breaking monoclonal antibody treatment helps delay the onset of Stage 3 T1D by an average of two years. Delaying the onset of Stage 3 T1D gives patients more time before they need insulin. Tzield also gives primary care providers incentive to screen for T1D sooner, which can help patients avoid complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.

Pioneering a novel treatment for FCS, a devastating genetic condition

Children’s Health and UT Southwestern introduced the nation’s first clinical study of Orlistat as a treatment for children and adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) – a rare genetic disorder that inhibits the body's ability to absorb dietary fat. The study was spurred by research findings suggesting that orlistat (the popular weight loss drug that treats obesity) could lower triglyceride levels caused by FCS. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for FCS. The study is still enrolling patients.

Podcast: Digital technology improves management of T1D

Exciting new digital technologies – like wearable continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps – can help manage pediatric diabetes. Compared to traditional methods, these digital advances offer notable improvements because they are easy to use and operate automatically. These devices also capture valuable data that can help providers identify patients struggling to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. In this podcast episode, learn how you can adopt these advances for patient care.

Discover more innovations in pediatric endocrinology at Children’s Health