We help children who are overweight or obese improve their health through a variety of strategies, including behavior and lifestyle modification. We understand that many factors can contribute to obesity, including genetics, diet, physical activity level, psychological issues, and adverse family events. Our team includes board-certified pediatric endocrinologists, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, a registered dietitian, a bariatric surgeon, and an endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes and obesity management for adults and children. We work together to tailor treatment to each child and his or her family. Seventeen percent of children ages 2 to 19 in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there is no cure for obesity, our caregivers work with children to prevent serious health complications that can accompany it, including: Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) High cholesterol Fatty liver disease When a child is referred to us—typically from a pediatrician—our first step is to do a full medical examination and check for obesity-related diseases and complications. We offer a traditional approach to weight loss through lifestyle changes, and incorporate the whole family into the process. We refer many children to Yale School of Medicine’s Bright Bodies Program in New Haven, which teaches children and their families about nutrition and encourages them to exercise. If lifestyle and behavioral modifications are not successful, medications are a potential option for children 16 and older. Our last step, if necessary, would be bariatric surgery, also for children 16 and up. There are rigid protocols for the surgery, as well as pre- and post-surgical care. Once patients turn 21, we can seamlessly transition them into an adult program for weight management.

Our goal at the Diabetes Center is to give patients the tools necessary to successfully manage the day-to-day challenges of living with diabetes and prevent long-term diabetes complications. We provide comprehensive management and education for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We focus on lifestyle interventions and use the latest medications and technologies to improve our patients’ health. We also treat patients with: Pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome Obesity Polycystic ovarian syndrome Lipid or cholesterol abnormalities Our nationally recognized doctors and nurse practitioners work as a team to address our patients’ needs in managing diabetes and other conditions. We understand that living with diabetes presents challenges. We focus on education and making patients their own advocates. Through the most current and state-of-the-art treatments, we will help them better manage their care. Oral Medications There are several classes of oral diabetes medications that we may prescribe if patients have type 2 diabetes. These medications differ in the way they work to reduce blood glucose levels. Frequently, oral medications from different classes are used in combination. Sulfonylureas: These drugs increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. Meglitinides: These drugs rapidly increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. Biguanides: Metformin is the only biguanide on the market. It is thought to work by reducing the production of glucose in the liver. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors: These medications reduce the amount of glucose absorbed in the intestines. Thiazolidinediones: This agent makes the body more sensitive to insulin. Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors): These drugs increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas after a meal and reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Injection Therapies There are several classes of injection therapies for diabetes. These treatments are given by an injection under the skin. The most common injection therapy is insulin, which comes in many different formulations that differ in how fast they work and how long they last. Below is a list of the different types of insulins. Technologies and Experimental Treatments Insulin Pumps: Insulin pumps were first pioneered at Yale in the 1970s. An insulin pump is an electronic, pager-sized, battery-powered device that delivers insulin continuously through a small plastic catheter under the skin. Insulin is delivered in different amounts (“basal” or “bolus” levels) during the day and controlled by the patient. While fasting, patients will administer a low level of continuous “basal” insulin to keep their blood glucose in the normal range. Prior to meals, they will determine a “bolus” of insulin based on the amount of carbohydrates in the meal. Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems (CGM): A CGM is a device that measures glucose under the skin (also known as “interstitial” glucose) every five minutes thr

At Yale Medicine, our Bariatric and minimally invasive surgery team specializes in surgical care for conditions affecting the digestive tract. Expert surgeons use the latest minimally invasive techniques designed to reduce scarring and minimize discomfort after surgery, providing a smoother and more rapid recovery. We recognize that it’s natural to experience various emotions and concerns before undergoing surgery. That's why our approach focuses on patient education and comprehensive care—we are here to provide clear, detailed answers to all your questions before, during, and after your procedure. About Us Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Abdominal wall reconstruction to treat complex hernias or trauma to the abdomen Laparoscopic surgery to treat severe (Class III) obesity Weight-loss surgery options: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in which a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. LAP-Band® surgery, in which a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food that’s consumed by making the patient feel full after eating small amounts. Sleeve gastrectomy, which involves removing about 85% of the stomach. The smaller-sized stomach holds less food, creating a feeling of fullness with significantly less food. All weight-loss surgery options include education and support from nursing, nutrition, and psychological service providers.