What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Caring providers at the Diabetes Center help kids with prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes thrive and enjoy the best health possible. This page will help you know what to expect at your child's first outpatient clinic appointment at the center. We look forward to working with you!
If your child's first visit is at the Diabetes Day Hospital, you will prepare a bit differently. Please view our Diabetes Day Hospital Instructions.Making an Appointment
If your child needs an outpatient clinic appointment at the Diabetes Center, you or your child's doctor can contact us. Physician referrals are welcome but not necessary. Before your visit, the care team will collect your child's medical records, including previous test results.
On the Day of the Visit
Your family will play a critical role in helping your child manage prediabetes or diabetes. That's why it is important for at least one parent or other caregiver to participate in the first clinic appointment. At this appointment, our team will provide extensive education about living with diabetes. Hearing this information at the same time will help you and your child work as a team as you learn how manage the condition.
Before Arriving at the Clinic
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to ensure you have time to park and walk to our clinic.
At the Appointment
The first outpatient clinic visit can last for one to two hours depending on your child's needs. During your time with us, you will meet with one or more members of our care team. Our team includes:
- Doctors and advanced practice registered nurses. These experts diagnose and treat prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Certified diabetes educators. These providers have extensive training and experience in diabetes management and care.
- Diabetes dietitian educators. These registered dietitians help your child set nutritional goals.
- Social workers and psychologists. These providers offer additional resources and support.
- Researchers. These individuals can talk to you and your child about participating in research studies that offer access to the newest care and treatment innovations.
- Exercise physiologists. These specialists help your child set individualized exercise goals.
The first clinic appointment will include:
- A health history and physical exam
- A conversation about your child's condition and treatment options
- A conversation about your child's current treatment, if any
- A review of previous lab tests and whether additional tests are needed
- Screenings for related medical conditions
- Goal-setting related to your child's health
At the end of your appointment, the team will provide a written after-visit summary that includes instructions and reminders about your child's care. You can take this home with you and access it on MyChart.
Before you leave, our staff will schedule a follow-up appointment for your child, if needed. These typically take place every three to four months.
After the Appointment
Please contact us to:
- Schedule or cancel an appointment
- Request a prescription refill
- Ask us a question about your child's care
You can use MyChart for prescription refills and medical questions as well.
Please contact us any time you have questions or concerns. We are here to help!
