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Endocrinology & Diabetes

Diabetes Clinic

UCSF ranks among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation for diabetes and endocrinology care, according to U.S. News & World Report. At our Pediatric Diabetes Clinic, our team of experts – including endocrinologists, certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, social workers, child psychologists and child life specialists – cares for children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes from birth to age 21.

We recognize that managing diabetes in children is about more than food and insulin, so we also pay careful attention to the medical and emotional needs of our patients and their families. We create treatment regimens that suit each family’s needs and culture, and offer classes and one-on-one sessions to help parents and other caregivers choose and master the latest technologies. Our Transition Program prepares teens to manage their diabetes independently, and because needs change over time, we build lifelong relationships with our families, making sure our patients continue to get the best care at every stage.

We also maintain an active research program that emphasizes immune modulation therapy to prevent or cure diabetes, stem cell generation of beta cells, and studies on optimizing the use of current device technology and diabetes data.

Our locations (6)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Diabetes and Endocrinology, 2024-2025

      One of the nation's best for endocrinology & diabetes care

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

      Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • Center of excellence for diabetes research (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)

    Recommended reading

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    Avoiding Diabetes Burnout: Tips for Parents

    If your child has diabetes, managing their care can be overwhelming at times. Get our tips to help avoid burnout so you and your child can feel your best.

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    Carbohydrates and Diabetes

    Carbohydrates, including many "sugar-free" foods, raise blood sugar levels. If your child has diabetes, learn how counting carbohydrates can help.

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    Diabetes and Teen Driving

    If your teen has diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is extra important while driving. Create a driving contract with guidelines for testing and more.

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    How to Reach the Diabetes Care Team

    Our diabetes resources include your care team's phone numbers, books for children and adults, local support groups and websites for staying healthy.

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    Hyperglycemia Home Care

    If your child has diabetes, managing their blood sugar levels is critical. Learn to recognize the signs of high blood sugar and what to do.

    hypoglycemia-home-care-oakland-patients-2x

    Hypoglycemia Home Care

    Managing blood sugar levels is critical if your child has diabetes. Learn to recognize the signs of low blood sugar and what to do if it happens.

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    Managing Diabetes When Your Child is Sick

    If your child has diabetes, their blood sugar levels can go up or down if they catch a cold, flu or other common illness. Learn more about what you can do.

    routine-diabetes-testing-2x

    Routine Diabetes Tests and Screenings

    If your child has diabetes, certain tests help manage their blood sugar and health. Learn more about these tests and the numbers you need to know.

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

    Learn more
    your-childs-care-team-2x

    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

    Learn more
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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Related clinics (3)

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    Endocrinology Clinic

    Endocrinology Clinic

    San Francisco / Los Gatos / Oakland / Greenbrae / Santa Rosa / San Mateo...
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    Dialysis Unit

    Dialysis Unit

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    At-Risk for T1D Clinic

    At-Risk for T1D Clinic

    1500 Owens St., Suite 300
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Support services

    View All

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Diabetes Youth Families Camp

    This summer camp is for kids with diabetes and their families. Find out how on-site diabetes volunteers monitor blood sugar levels for a safe experience.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

    activity-rooms-2x

    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

    art-therapy-program-2x

    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

    music-program-2x

    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

    school-re-entry-program-2x

    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

    individual-playtime-and-tutoring-2x

    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

    family-support-program-2x

    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

    patient-relations-2x

    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

    international-services-2x

    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

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    TrialNet Pathway to Prevention of T1D

    The primary outcome is the development of diabetes as defined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) based on glucose testing, or the presence of symptoms and unequivocal hyperglycemia.

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    Extended Bolus for Meals in a Closed-loop System

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    Our research initiatives

    Feeling at home

    From bedside bingo to therapy dogs, we're here to help kids smile and feel more like themselves.

    Visit Child Life services

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