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Stead Family Children's Hospital
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Endocrinology

Our team provides consultations as well as long-term care for children with diabetes, endocrine disease, developmental endocrinology and weight management.
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For all requests:
1-888-573-5437
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The pediatric diabetes self-management education program at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for meeting national standards for providing diabetes education to patients and families.

Diabetes, Growth, and Hormones

Self-management is key to an effective diabetes treatment plan, and education programs help young patients and their parents learn how to a test the patient’s blood glucose level; take insulin or diabetes medications; and select and maintain a proper diet.

The diabetes education program at Stead Family Children’s Hospital includes one-on-one education classes for families with a newly diagnosed patient, as well as group sessions on insulin pump therapy and daily living with diabetes. Doctors, nurses, dieticians, and social services staff members work together to provide measurable goals, practices, and evaluation of the program for each patient and family in the outpatient setting.

 

Our specialties include treating children with symptoms or conditions that include:

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Disorders of physical growth (short stature, tall stature)
  • Sexual maturation (early puberty, later puberty)
  • Thyroid function (hypothyroidism, goiter)
  • Pituitary function
  • Adrenal function
  • Calcium and phosphorus metabolism
  • Weight management (obesity)
  • Excessive hair in girls (hirsutism)
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Evaluation of excessive weight gain
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Diabetes Insipidus
  • Congenital problems affecting genital development
  • Problems related to high dose steroid therapy
  • Complications related to cystic fibrosis

Additional Services We Offer:

  • Body fat analysis
  • Insulin pump education
  • Continuous glucose monitoring in diabetes
  • Diabetes management through education video DVD and manual
  • Outreach clinics for diabetes and endocrine disorders
  • 24 hour on-call services
  • Diagnostic Services:
    Hormone stimulation tests to assess secretion of growth hormone, cortisol, puberty hormones, glucose and insulin, and water balance.
  • Consultative Services:
    Consultative services are provided to primary care providers for abnormal congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and congenital hypothyroidism (CH) results identified through the Iowa Neonatal Metabolic Screening Program (INMSP).
  • Diabetic Education:
    We offer one-on-one diabetic education classes for newly diagnosed families, diabetes refresher classes, and group pre-pump classes and insulin pump therapy. Hemoglobin A1C results are available in six minutes, which allows discussion at appointments.
  • Clinical Trials

Our services

Cardio-Metabolic Clinic
The Cardio-Metabolic Clinic at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital was developed to help children with obesity identify causes of weight gain, treat the consequences of weight gain, and support family in healthy lifestyle changes. We focus on small, family-based changes to promote healthy diet, adequate physical activity and sleep.
Pediatric Thyroid Clinic
The University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital pediatric thyroid clinic is the only specialized thyroid clinic in Iowa dedicated to the care of children with thyroid diseases. The thyroid, a small gland located at the front of the neck, has an enormously important job to do--especially for children and adolescents. The gland creates the hormones that help control metabolism, the growth and structure of bones and many other body functions.
Cystic Fibrosis
University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital experts provide lifelong care for those with cystic fibrosis to help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Diabetes Clinic
Diabetes services at University of Iowa Health Care is a multidisciplinary approach with physicians, nurses, and dietitians working with patients to ensure that treatment decisions reflect the patient's needs and preferences while maintaining the highest standards of care.
Turner Syndrome Endocrinology appointment
Turner Syndrome
University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital experts provide lifelong care for those with Turner syndrome to help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Our Care Team

Eirene G. Alexandrou, MD portrait

Eirene G.
Alexandrou
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.77 out of 5 (304 ratings)
Gabriel "Gabo" Castano, MD portrait

Gabriel "Gabo"
Castano
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.47 out of 5 (42 ratings)
Vanessa Curtis, MD portrait

Vanessa
Curtis
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.86 out of 5 (400 ratings)
Lauren A. Kanner, MD portrait

Lauren A.
Kanner
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.81 out of 5 (360 ratings)
Katie Larson Ode, MD portrait

Katie
Larson Ode
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.84 out of 5 (453 ratings)
Andrew Norris, MD, PhD portrait

Andrew
Norris
MD, PhD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.85 out of 5 (104 ratings)
Liuska Pesce, MD portrait

Liuska
Pesce
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.90 out of 5 (500 ratings)
Cat Pinnaro, MD portrait

Cat
Pinnaro
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.86 out of 5 (179 ratings)
Akhila Ramakrishna, MD portrait

Akhila
Ramakrishna
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.81 out of 5 (267 ratings)
Michael J. Tansey, MD portrait

Michael J.
Tansey
MD

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.87 out of 5 (465 ratings)
Alex LaCarte, ARNP portrait

Alex
LaCarte
ARNP

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
Julie K. Osterhaus, ARNP, CPNP portrait

Julie K.
Osterhaus
ARNP, CPNP

  • Department of Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
4.84 out of 5 (413 ratings)
Lisa Ejsmont, PharmD, BCACP portrait

Lisa
Ejsmont
PharmD, BCACP

  • Endocrinology

Not sure which Endocrinology provider is right for you?

When you call 1-888-573-5437 we'll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-888-573-5437

Locations and Offices

Level 2: Pediatric Specialty Clinic
2800 John Pappajohn Pavilion (JPP)
Pediatric Public Elevators, Level 2
1-319-356-2229
Clinic
Pediatric Specialty Clinic Main Entrance
In Stead Family Children's Hospital
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Pediatric Endocrinology - Cedar Rapids
Suite 150
1-888-573-5437
Clinic
Exterior image of Cedar Rapids 10th street location
In Cedar Rapids, 10th Street SE
411 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Pediatrics - Iowa River Landing
Second Floor
1-319-467-2000
Clinic
Lobby photo of the second floor of Iowa River Landing
In Iowa River Landing
105 East 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241
Dubuque–Mazzuchelli Street
1-563-239-2860
Clinic
Dubuque Mazzuchelli exterior image
In Dubuque, Mazzuchelli Street
777 Mazzuchelli Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Pediatric Specialties - Cedar Falls - Orchard Drive
1-855-543-2884
Clinic
Exterior image of Cedar Falls - Orchard Drive location
In Cedar Falls, Orchard Drive
2624 Orchard Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

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Awards and Recognition

U.S. News & World Report - Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology
In 2024-25 our Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology program was ranked 25th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Learn more
Stead Family Children's Hospital

200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242
United States

1-888-573-5437
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