Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes Programs

Team Clinic offers a clinical appointment designed to enrich the patient experience, promote advocacy, and empower individuals to take charge of their own care at the Barbara Davis Center. Through real-life experiences, engaging activities, and a sense of community, patients gain valuable insights and skills for managing their health.

During these sessions, patients first check in one-on-one with their healthcare provider, then split into separate groups for parents and teens. While parents share experiences and provide support to one another, teens have the chance to practice problem-solving and critical thinking to navigate the everyday challenges of living with type 1 diabetes.

This experience equips patients with the tools to confidently take the lead in their type 1 diabetes management.

Newly diagnosed patients from across Colorado, neighboring states, and the Rocky Mountain region are referred to the Barbara Davis Center. Here, patients and their families receive thorough, personalized, and group-based training, care, and support from the clinical team. BDC providers stay closely connected with newly diagnosed patients, ensuring they and their families are confident and comfortable managing their care. As patients progress, they typically transition to quarterly visits, though providers are on call 24/7 to assist with regimen adjustments, emergencies, or illness. Each newly diagnosed patient also receives a complimentary copy of Understanding Diabetes (the Pink Panther book), authored by Dr. Peter Chase and Dr. Brigitte Frohnert.

In collaboration with the BDC Pediatric and Adult Clinic and the Adolescent Medicine Program at Children's Hospital Colorado, the BDC has also introduced a unique program to help adolescents with type 1 diabetes smoothly transition from pediatric to adult care. This program emphasizes patient education and empowerment through shared medical appointments and peer interaction.

The Adult Diabetes Division offers specialized care for women with pre-existing diabetes, supporting active glucose management throughout pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause. During pregnancy, women experience shifts in insulin sensitivity: increased sensitivity in the first trimester, heightened resistance in the second and third trimesters, and a return to sensitivity in the early postpartum phase. This program includes support for women using multiple daily insulin injections, insulin pumps, and/or continuous glucose monitors. Providers also keep a close eye on the potential development of diabetes-related complications during pregnancy, such as eye and kidney issues or hypertension. Key services include:

• Pre-conception counseling sessions

• Educational materials specifically for pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes

• Monthly in-person visits for glucose management during pregnancy

• Adjustments to insulin regimens between visits through MyChart or by phone

• Postpartum follow-up care

For more information, please call (303) 724-6797.

Tienen una gran oportunidad de asistir a la Clínica de Grupo Latino en el Barbara Davis Center, donde pueden aprender sobre la diabetes de una forma divertida e interactiva, en un ambiente familiar que respeta su cultura y su idioma.

También podrán conocer a otros niños de su edad y a familias latinas que enfrentan los mismos desafíos. Abordamos temas como la nutrición, el ejercicio, la administración de insulina, el uso de tecnología, y temas personales o de comportamiento a través de charlas interactivas y actividades divertidas presentadas por nuestras enfermeras, nutricionistas y trabajadoras sociales. Cada visita cuenta como una de las citas de cuidado de diabetes requeridas cada tres meses y se alterna con sus visitas regulares al Barbara Davis Center, así que no tendrán que venir más frecuentemente de lo habitual. Los grupos se realizan en español, pero se pueden proporcionar materiales en inglés según su preferencia. Actualizamos constantemente el contenido para ofrecer una experiencia fresca y relevante tanto para las familias que recién ingresan como para aquellas que han asistido varias veces.

Reuniones del Grupo Latino: Horarios alternos para niños (menores de 11 años) y adolescentes (12 años en adelante) el cuarto jueves de cada mes de 8:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m.

Preguntas sobre el Grupo Latino o para hacer una cita:

Erika Rodriguez

Erika.rodriguez@ucdenver.edu

(303) 724-6758

Para el Grupo Latino, pueden hacer cita en la recepción o llamar al número de teléfono del BDC

The Barbara Davis Center also provides the opportunity to attend their Latino Group Clinic, where Latino patients can learn more about diabetes in a fun, interactive, and family-oriented setting that respects their culture and language.

This clinic allows patients to meet other kids their age and Latino families who face similar challenges. Topics include nutrition, exercise, insulin management, technology, and personal or behavioral issues, shared through interactive discussions and engaging activities led by BDC nurses, nutritionists, and social workers. Each visit counts as one of patients’ quarterly diabetes care appointments and alternates with their regular appointments at the Barbara Davis Center, so no extra visits are necessary. Groups are conducted in Spanish, with materials available in English upon request. The Latino Clinic frequently updates the curriculum to ensure a fresh, relevant experience for both newcomers and long-time attendees.

Latino Group Meetings: Alternating schedules for kids (11 and under) and teens (12 and up) on the fourth Thursday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For questions about the Latino Group or to schedule an appointment, contact Erika Rodriguez at Erika.Rodriguez@UCDenver.edu or (303) 724-6758. Erika Rodriguez at Erika.Rodriguez@UCDenver.edu or (303) 724-6758. Erika Rodriguez at Erika.Rodriguez@UCDenver.edu or (303) 724-6758. To make an appointment for the Latino Group, please visit the front desk at the BDC or call the BDC.

Dr. Paul Wadwa has created an effective telemedicine program that connects residents of Wyoming and remote areas of Colorado with specialized services from the Barbara Davis Center. Since its inception, the program has facilitated over 1,000 visits, greatly enhancing access for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes who would otherwise need to travel long distances to receive care. Additionally, several research studies have leveraged videoconferencing to broaden access to diabetes care, including at-home support for high-risk type 1 diabetes patients.

The BDC clinical social workers connect with each newly diagnosed family to support their adjustment to life with diabetes. They are available to assist families and children with diabetes-related concerns at any time, whether during clinic visits or outside of scheduled appointments. Drs. K. Driscoll and S. Majidi have introduced a groundbreaking program for screening, evaluating, and treating depression in pediatric diabetes patients as well.

This unique workshop, created by the BDC pediatric clinic, is tailored specifically for grandparents of children with type 1 diabetes. It covers essential diabetes topics, from nutrition to blood glucose testing, and is designed to foster open conversations and address the many questions grandparents and parents may have after a child’s diagnosis.