Children with diabetes and hormonal irregularities receive comprehensive care delivered by a pediatric endocrinologist. In fact, the insulin-pump therapy program at Greenville Hospital System Children’s Hospital is one of the largest such programs for children in the country.

The number of children and teen-agers who receive their insulin from a wearable computerized electronic pump instead of by injection is growing. Pumps decrease the need for injections, improve blood sugar control (which helps reduce complications) and make it easier for people to lead less scheduled, more spontaneous lives.

Insulin pumps are small – about the size of a pager. They can be programmed to send small amounts of insulin into a child's system through a thin tube inserted under the skin (usually on the abdomen or hip). The catheter or tube is replaced about every three days using a needle.

Additional endocrinology services are provided on an inpatient and outpatient basis for the following:

• Thyroid abnormalities
• Adrenal abnormalities
• Pituitary abnormalities
• Diabetes insipidus
• Diabetes mellitus, including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Delay of puberty
• Early puberty
• Turner’s syndrome
• Klinefelter’s syndrome

Appointments to Children's Hospital endocrinology specialists are made by physician referral only. Physicians may call 864-455-4968 to coordinate a referral.