World-leading outcomes in paediatric diabetes care at Sahlgrenska University Hospital

According to Head of Section Daniel Novak, this success is built on strong teamwork and highly skilled staff.

“This is an outstanding achievement,” says Daniel Novak, Head of the Paediatric Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity Section, as well as Consultant and Associate Professor in Paediatrics.

Patients with diabetes are often asked to provide an HbA1c test sample during clinic visits. Also known as “long-term blood sugar”, this test shows how a patient’s blood glucose levels have been over the past few months. It is a key measure of how effectively the treatment is working.

New figures show that the paediatric diabetes clinic at the Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital ranks at the very top when it comes to maintaining children’s blood glucose levels within a stable and healthy range.

“We have the best treatment outcomes in all of Sweden. We are also the leading university hospital in the world (for children with diabetes) ,” says Daniel Novak.

He attributes the success to strong teamwork and highly skilled staff.

“We have an excellent team dynamic, where everyone understands their role and is able to work independently. Even in acute situations, we rely on each other’s knowledge and experience.”

Another factor behind the clinic’s success is its access to the very latest technology in sensors and insulin pumps. According to Daniel Novak, the team is also highly skilled in using these tools effectively.

Daniel Novak, Head of the Paediatric Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity Section, Consultant and Associate Professor of Paediatrics.

Staff need to remain exceptionally up to date with the technology. “Our team not only understands the technology but also knows how to tailor it to the needs of each child and their family. Good communication is also essential.”

Daniel Novak describes the team working with children with type 1 diabetes at Östra Hospital as a true “all-star team”.

“One of our consultants, Peter Adrian, was voted Sweden’s Diabetes Doctor of the Year 2024 by patients, and several of our other nurses and doctors have also been nominated.”

Each week, around one or two children in the Gothenburg area are diagnosed with diabetes. The paediatric diabetes clinic at the Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital is one of the largest in the country, caring for more than 600 children with diabetes.

“All children can be affected, from infants to 18-year-olds, and it is a very demanding condition for children and young people,” says Daniel Novak.