UC Davis Health
UC Davis Children's Hospital
Year in review: 2024-2025
Melina with care team members Shelli Beck, RN, BSN, CDCES, and Alex Nella, PA-C, RD, CDCES
Specialties

Melina with care team members Shelli Beck, RN, BSN, CDCES, and Alex Nella, PA-C, RD, CDCES.

Diabetes & Endocrinology

“UC Davis has provided outstanding care for my daughter. Their personalized approach and constant availability have made a meaningful difference. Most importantly, they’ve made us feel truly seen and cared for — something that’s had a profound impact on our small family.”

– Jasi Gill, on daughter Melina’s care after she was treated for pediatric diabetes.

  • Studying cognition in patients with type 1 diabetes

    UC Davis Children’s Hospital was awarded a NIDDK U01 grant to study cognition in young children with type 1 diabetes. Nicole Glaser, M.D., division chief of pediatric endocrinology, Stephanie Crossen, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist, and Simona Ghetti, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychology, will collaborate on the study along with 11 other large pediatric diabetes centers throughout the U.S. The study will assess brain development using sophisticated MRI techniques and detailed cognitive testing to determine how brain development and cognition are influenced by variations in blood glucose levels, diabetic ketoacidosis and other factors.

  • New diabetes management website launches

    A new educational website — designed specifically for UC Davis pediatric patients and their families — provides information on diabetes management, new technologies, resources for social and emotional support, seasonal health tips and more. Families receive notifications via MyUCDavisHealth when new information or other time-sensitive items are posted which can help improve experiences and outcomes for children with diabetes.

  • Breaking down technology barriers for Spanish-speaking children with type 1 diabetes

    The DREAM (Device use Reimagined through Education And Mentorship) project at UC Davis, led by pediatric endocrinologist Stephanie Crossen, M.D., in collaboration with UCSF and Children’s Hospital LA, connects Latinx adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their families to bilingual virtual peer groups, in-person educational events on diabetes-based topics and technology, and community-building activities. The multi-site collaboration has improved Spanish language educational processes, and participants have stated they value connecting with others in their community who face similar challenges.