Type 2 Diabetes Clinic

Diabetes causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond properly to the hormone called insulin. Glucose is less able to enter the cells and supply energy. This makes blood sugar levels rise.

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, keeping active and taking medications as needed are the keys to treating type 2 diabetes. Children and teens with the condition may benefit from a structured exercise program. Some children with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin.

Our team tailors care to your child, using state-of-the-art therapies for pediatric type 2 diabetes.

We provide guidance and resources to help your family manage type 2 diabetes at home by:

• Controlling and tracking your child’s blood glucose
• Planning and eating healthy meals and snacks
• Staying active
• Taking medicine as needed

Our pediatric experts work together — and with you — to care for your child. Your child will get support from:

• Doctors (endocrinologists) and nurse practitioners with special training in treating children with diabetes.
• Dietitians to guide healthy food choices and improve eating habits.
• Social workers to help your child and family make behavior changes. We link you with community resources if needed.
• Athletic trainer to create an exercise plan that is right for your child.
• Child Life specialist to focus on your child’s emotional and developmental needs as they adjust to and manage type 2 diabetes.
• Pediatric psychologist to help with diabetes-related behavioral health struggles beyond what our social workers or Child Life specialist can support. Your child may be referred to the psychologist for help handling the demands of living with diabetes.

• We check your child’s health and track their lifestyle changes during full T2D team clinic visits every 3 months.
• We provide follow-up appointments in person for nutrition and athletic training every 6 weeks. In some cases, a telehealth visit may be an option.
• We coordinate appointments so that your child can see all the experts they need on the same day.
• Our Type 2 Diabetes team holds monthly clinics at the Sand Point Clinic (across from the hospital campus in Seattle) and South Clinic in Federal Way.

• Each child is different, and you know your child best. We work with you to give your child complete care. Members of our team have special training in their field and in the unique needs of children and teens.
• We serve babies through young adults and their families from around the Northwest and beyond. If your family speaks a language other than English, we have interpreters in many languages, including sign language, to help you get the care your family needs.
• Seattle Children's can help with financial counseling, schooling, housing, transportation, interpreter services and spiritual care. Read about our services for patients and families.