Diabetes Resources

At CHOC, we understand that with diabetes, ongoing education is key to managing diabetes throughout each step of life. We are proud to offer resources as answers that may be helpful for families whose children have diabetes. We offer a variety of outpatient educational programs and support, from educating kids on how to use an insulin pump to providing a smooth transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care.

S.M.A.R.T.I.E.S. (Smart Kids/Teens Managing and Regulating their Insulin, Exercise and Sugars), a special class that provides education to newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients at CHOC, features interactive activities and learning techniques for different ages. Additionally, the class provides an opportunity for patients to bond with other patients with diabetes. The patient’s siblings and parents are also encouraged to attend.

As part of CHOC’s diabetes new onset education program, which is accredited by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the class helps support better outcomes and management of this life-changing condition.

S.M.A.R.T.I.E.S. is for new onset CHOC patients and their families. Families are scheduled into one of two monthly classes as a follow-up to the hospital education. For more information, including other resources available, please call 714-509-8634.

The Pediatric-Adolescent Diabetes Research and Education (PADRE) Foundation offers classes every month to families living with type 1 diabetes. The classes are taught by CHOC diabetes educators and dietitians. These classes provide information on how to manage diabetes in different settings and as each child goes through different stages in their lives and keeps current in terms of changing technology. PADRE also offers fun activities and events in the community to help provide support, connections and resources for children and teens living with diabetes and their siblings, families and friends.

Classes at the PADRE Foundation are free and fun. Certain classes are available in Spanish. For more information, please call the PADRE office at 714-509–8330.

Meet one on one with one of our certified diabetes educators (CDE) during our CDE clinics for education on specific topic(s).  To set up an appointment, please call our CDE on call at 714-509-8634 Monday thru Friday 8am to 4:30pm. We also include one on one training on:

• How to use continuous glucose monitors (CGM). We will provide education on how to set up your devices and the tools needed to be successful with your CGM therapy.

CHOC’s Insulin Pump Program provides important education for learning about the basics of insulin pump therapy, current available pump technologies, healthy eating and carbohydrate counting for insulin pump therapy, and the process for obtaining and getting trained on the pump. Along with advice from your provider, this information will help decide if pump technology is ideal for you and your family. This includes Pump Basics (PADRE class) and Pre-Pump class (CHOC specific class). For more information, please call 714-509-8634.

Managing type 1 diabetes as an adult can be challenging. We offer support and guidance on a variety of topics including finding an adult endocrinologist, managing your diabetes while at college, understanding insurance, driving with diabetes, talking about diabetes with your friends, traveling with diabetes and more. Please contact  Jennifer Blair, ACSW, MSW, Newport Beach Diabetes Center Transition Coordinator for more information at 714-509-7309.