Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells
Published on: May 6, 2013
Foster care and type 1 diabetes in the Bronx: a case series
Mariam Gangat1, Genna W Klein, Rubina A Heptulla
1Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, 3415 Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, USA. mariam.gangat@gmail.com
Insights
Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in foster care experience poor glycemic control and social outcomes. Improved foster care programs are essential for these vulnerable children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Child Welfare Services
- Public Health
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires intensive management.
- Children in foster care often face complex health and social challenges.
Observation:
- This study reviewed the health status of children with T1DM in foster care.
- Patients were primarily African American or Hispanic, raised by single mothers, and referred for medical neglect.
- Children experienced multiple placements and prolonged hospitalizations, incurring significant healthcare costs.
Findings:
- Children with T1DM in foster care exhibited poor glycemic control.
- Suboptimal social outcomes were observed in this population.
- The healthcare system faced extensive financial burdens due to prolonged hospitalizations and frequent admissions.
Implications:
- There is a critical need for specialized programs to improve foster care for children with T1DM.
- Interventions should address both medical management and social support for improved health outcomes.
- This research highlights the vulnerability of children with T1DM in the foster care system.
Objective:
The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the health status of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in foster care.
Research Design And Methods:
A retrospective chart review of children with T1DM in foster care at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) in Bronx, NY, USA, was performed.
Results:
All patients were either African American or Hispanic and raised by single mothers. The majority of referrals were for medical neglect. The time spent in foster care ranged from 1 to 7 years, with 1-12 placements. Only two children were reunified with their biological mothers. Extensive financial burdens on the health-care system for children with diabetes including prolonged hospitalizations awaiting placement, frequent hospital admissions, and support services were noted.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this is the first report on children with T1DM in foster care. Poor glycemic control and suboptimal social outcomes were noted in the children we report in our case series. Programs geared to improve and reform foster care for children with diabetes are needed.
Related Concept Videos
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

