At the Department of Endocrinology at Children's Hospital Colorado, we aim to further the understanding of endocrine conditions and improve diagnosis and care for our patients.

To achieve this goal, we partner with pediatric specialists from various departments and disciplines, collaborate in multicenter studies and perform basic science, translational and clinical research. Whether it’s drug trials to develop new medications or quality improvement projects, our team is constantly pushing the science forward.

What our endocrinology research means for kids

Our team of researchers is invested in all aspects of the endocrine system, which creates and releases hormones that affect a wide range of bodily functions — including growth, metabolism, insulin production, reproduction and more.

Through our research endeavors, we're able to make the latest innovations, treatments and breakthroughs in pediatric endocrine and diabetes research available to our patients.

Currently, our researchers are working to develop more effective treatments for diabetes, reduce and prevent long-term complications of inactivity and obesity and more. Children’s Colorado is one of the only organizations performing in-depth studies of pediatric polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Our researchers are working to minimize the risk of complications and improve outcomes.

Advances in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes

Children’s Colorado researchers are making significant strides in understanding and addressing complex endocrine conditions. For over a decade, our team has been performing in-depth studies of youth with Type 1 diabetes. Children’s Colorado partners with the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado School of Medicine — one of the few sites in the country selected for both pediatric and adult multicenter studies — to study how to prevent and manage Type 1 diabetes, gaps in therapeutic efficacy, the correlation between Type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction and much more.

To better manage and treat the growing number of children and adolescents with Type 2 diabetes, our researchers are conducting multiple studies for youth with pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Our research leads the way in developing early interventions to prevent Type 2 diabetes in obese youth, with a specific focus on uncovering insights during puberty.

Through our Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Clinic, we’ve made extensive breakthroughs. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 people who menstruate. Still, we’re one of the only institutions nationwide focusing on PCOS in adolescents. By studying the interaction between glucose and fat metabolism, our researchers have discovered how their relationship contributes to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and early cardiovascular disease. We’ve also discovered a link between PCOS and metabolic disease and how lifestyle changes and weight loss can improve long-term health outcomes.