Units
Diabetes and Metabolism Unit
Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, 2nd Department of Pediatrics of National Kapodistrian University of Athens, “P. &A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital.
The Diabetes and Metabolism unit of the 2nd Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens has been operating since 1990 and its scientific director is Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Dr. Kyriaki Karavanaki. It is noteworthy that the unit works in full collaboration and close coordination with Diabetes Center of the 1st Department of Pediatrics of our hospital (Director: Dr. Andriani Vazeou, Pediatric Diabetologist).
Nowadays, almost 300 children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are being followed in our Unit, as well as children with other types of diabetes, such as MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young), Type 2 diabetes, Neonatal and Drug-induced Diabetes, or Diabetes in the context of rare syndromes. Additionally, in our Unit are followed patients with impaired glucose tolerance (e.g. hyperglycemia and prediabetes), hypoglycemia, growth and maturation problems, overweight or obesity, or other endocrine problems.
It is estimated that about 25-30 newly diagnosed children with Type 1 Diabetes are admitted to the First University Department of Pediatrics every year, and our followed up by our Diabetes Unit, and the number of annual patient-visits to our Diabetes Unit reaches 700-800 patients.
The initial goal in the management of a patient with newly diagnosed T1D is the successful treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a serious and life-threatening complication of T1D and occurs frequently at the diagnosis (50-75%). Then, during hospitalization, we greatly emphasize on the education of patients and their families on issues regarding T1D management (insulin therapy, hypoglycemia, nutrition, physical activity, social events and other daily life situations of children with T1D). Also, an important aspect of T1D management is the holistic approach and support for patient and their families, at diagnosis and throughout the course of the disease. It is provided by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including a pediatric Diabetologist, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Diabetes Nurse, Psychologist and Dietitian. Patients are monitored holistically with respect to their growth, development and puberty, as well as menstrual disorders and various associated endocrine conditions ( e.g., Hashimoto thyroiditis).
It is important to note that our staff is available 24 hours a day to ensure comprehensive support and care for patients’ needs.
Patients with Type 1 Diabetes are also managed in close collaboration with various specialist physicians within our hospital. These include Pediatric Nephrologists, Ophthalmologists and Neurologists for the management of early microvascular diabetes complications, as well as Pediatric Gastroenterologists for the treatment of coexisting autoimmune diseases, associated with T1D (e.g.,celiac disease)
The Diabetes Unit of the 2nd Department of Pediatrics is distinguished by its wide clinical, educational and research activity. As part of educational mission, our Diabetes Unit provides training for Medical Students, Pediatric trainees, Pediatricians, Endocrinologists and School Nurses in topics related to Type 1 Diabetes.
The research activity of our Diabetes Unit focuses on topics mainly related to diabetic neuropathy, endothelial dysfunction, physical activity in children with T1D, psychological problems and eating disorders of adolescents with T1D, associated autoimmune diseases and bone metabolism of children and adolescents with T1D, as well as obesity. As diabetic neuropathy is one of the major research interests of our Diabetes Unit, we are the only Pediatric Diabetes Unit in Greece investigating with neurophysiological tests our patients with T1D for subclinical or clinical diabetic neuropathy.
The Diabetes and Metabolism Unit operates three days/week, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 to 14:00 at the Diabetes Center, 24, Mesogeion Avenue 24, 1st floor.
Tel: 2132009805
The appointments are scheduled via number 1535, using diabetes unit code: 00164
The Diabetes and Metabolism Unit of the 2nd Department of Pediatrics is staffed by the following Pediatricians:
- Kyriaki Karavanaki, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Head of the Diabetes and Metabolism Unit.
- Irine-Ikbale Sakou, MD,PhD, Adjunct pediatrician of the National Health System, 2nd Department of Pediatrics. Α pediatrician with extensive experience in the management of children with Type 1 Diabetes, particularly in the effective treatment of severe diabetic ketoacidosis and also experience on psychosocial problems of adolescents with T1D.
- George Paltoglou, MD, PhD, Pediatrician- Pediatric Endocrinologist specialized in Diabetes Mellitus and Pediatric Endocrinology, Academic Fellow, 2nd Department of Pediatrics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens.
- Maria Arkoumani, MD, Pediatrician, Academic Fellow, 2nd Department of Pediatrics. A pediatrician with advanced knowledge in the management of children with Type 1 Diabetes, especially those using insulin pump therapy.
- Eleni Tzavella, Psychologist, MSc: Developmental psychology. Academic Fellow , 2nd Department of Pediatrics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is responsible for the psychological and psychosocial support of children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes and their families.
- Kyriaki Benetatou, Health Visitor, MSc: Academic Fellow, 2nd Department of Pediatrics. She is responsible for supervising children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes and their families facing social challenges that may contribute to poor diabetes control.