The endocrine (hormone) system regulates development and metabolism. Endocrine disorders in children include:

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Cushing's syndrome
• Diabetes insipidus
• Diabetes mellitus
• Gigantism
• Growth Disorders, including growth hormone deficiency and inherited disorders, such as Turner’s Syndrome
• Hypoglycemia, Hyperinsulinism
• Hyperthyroidism, Graves disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Precocious puberty, Delayed Puberty
• Rickets, Vitamin D Deficiency

We treat these conditions by administering replacement hormones or drugs to block hormone production. Depending on the condition, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

Our Endocrine Team

Our Endocrine team is affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and UT Le Bonheur Pediatric Specialists, Inc. (ULPS). The endocrine program at Le Bonheur also works closely with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our Endocrine team includes two pediatric endocrinologists, pediatric endocrine fellows, two licensed nurse practitioners, certified diabetes educators, two licensed dietitians, two endocrine/diabetes staff nurses, a social worker, child life specialists, two clinic coordinators and a dedicated clinical research coordinator.

Clinics

The Endocrinology department at Le Bonheur Children's currently has clinics for both Diabetes and Endocrinology.  For more information on these clinics, please find a Le Bonheur Endocrinologist.

Diabetes Program

The Le Bohneur Diabetes Self-Management Education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association for exceeding the national standards. This service is provided as part of our comprehensive endocrinology program. Two certified diabetes educators (CDEs) and licensed dieticians offer education on disease management at our Diabetes Center. 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. The diabetes program services are offered on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Community Health Services

Diabetes management is part of routine care in the Healthy Schools program in Tipton County in Tennessee. The 13 school nurses provide diabetic care and education to students, parents and school staff.

School nurses interact with local physicians, school staff and parents of the students in order to develop the best care plan for home and school. In addition, in-house training is provided for school staff.

Children's Foundation Research Center of Memphis

Le Bonheur Children's Hospital works in conjunction with the Children's Foundation Research Center of Memphis to help develop initiatives to reduce obesity and diabetes. Donations to support research are tax-deductible. For more information about our clinical research activities, please call (901)287-5926.

Find a Pediatric Endocrinologist

To find a Le Bonheur physician, please click here.