The endocrine system regulates moods, development, metabolism and sexual function. When the endocrine system doesn't function properly, a variety of disorders can arise which include:

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Cushing's syndrome
• Diabetes insipidus
• Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and 2)
• Gigantism
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperthyroidism
• Precocious puberty
  

Doctors can treat these conditions by administering replacement hormones or hormone production-blocking drugs. Depending on the condition, surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may also be used for treatment.

Our endocrinology services include the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with varying types of endocrinology disorders. These problems are often associated with hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction and/or abnormal weight gain. As an endocrinology patient, your child would be evaluated in-clinic and tested for endocrine disorders in our Diagnostic Treatment Unit. This unit allows us to provide the most accurate diagnosis and continuous monitoring of care. The Diagnostic Treatment Unit phone number is 901.287.5848.

Diabetes Program
We provide diabetes services as part of our comprehensive endocrinology program. Our certified diabetes educator offers an educational program on disease management consisting of an assessment by a registered nurse or dietitian. As a part of the program, patients complete a behavior change plan and set diabetes management goals. Once goals are established, the educator monitors progress through frequent contact with the patient and family. Diabetes education is offered on an inpatient and outpatient basis, and the program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association for exceeding the national standards.

Our Endocrine Team
The endocrine team is affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the UT Medical Group. The endocrine program at Le Bonheur works closely with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and includes board certified pediatric endocrinologists and fellows, a certified physician assistant, diabetes nurse educators, dietitians, an endocrine nurse and a clinical coordinator.

Community Health Services - Diabetes Management is School
In Memphis, Community Health Services serves 190 schools and almost 125,000 students a year. The staff includes 37 registered nurses in Memphis and 10 nurses in Tipton County who provide health services and education to students, parents and school staff.

The staff provides intensive case management services for children with diabetes. Case managers interact with the physicians, school staff , and parents of the student in order to develop the best care plan for home and school. In addition, in-services are provided for school staff. For more information, call 901.287.5691.

Children's Foundation Research Center
Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center works in conjunction with the Children's Foundation Research Center to help develop initiatives to reduce obesity and diabetes.

One program is Para los Niños, which is aimed at Latino families in the Memphis community, has enrolled more than 200 families in a three-year period. The goal of the program is to help Latino children increase physical activity and reduce body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, which can lead to diabetes. Activities include Spanish dancing, soccer, basketball, karate, swimming and nutritional classes. For more information about this and other initiatives, please call 901.287.5335.

Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinics
Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center holds both endocrinology and diabetes clinics, as well as a weekly diabetes education class. Diabetes clinics are also held at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital. To schedule a clinic appointment, please call 901.287.6073.

Find a Pediatric Endocrinologist
Le Bonheur works with board-certified pediatric endocrinologists in the top of the field. To find a specialist, please click here.