#14
A top pediatric diabetes program ranked by U.S. News & World Report
The Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute practices an integrated approach to diabetes care and management through clinical services, education and research. By offering an array of innovative, family-centered initiatives, our care team empowers patients and their families to confidently manage diabetes.
The goal of the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute is to become a national center of excellence by expanding and elevating diabetes care services across the region, while helping children and adults with diabetes manage their conditions. The institute will support continued coordination between care teams to ensure seamless continuity for pediatric patients as they grow and move on to adult care.
The Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute was established in 2022 with a $15 million lead gift from the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation. This gift is the starting point of a $60 million vision to expand diabetes care for children and adults, as well as build the top diabetes institute in the country. An initial gift of $5 million to the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2013 established the Wendy Novak Diabetes Center that created a comprehensive diabetes care center offering education and treatment to thousands of children and young adults.
Pediatric care at the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute is a service of Norton Children’s Hospital, which is recognized as having one of the nation’s top diabetes programs. The hospital is listed 14th in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2024-2025 rankings for pediatric diabetes and endocrinology.
Pediatric outpatient services for the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute are housed in the Novak Center for Children’s Health, a 176,000-square-foot outpatient medical center in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, that gives children and families easy access to Norton Children’s Endocrinology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, as well as additional pediatric specialists and primary care providers. Located two blocks from Norton Children’s Hospital, the Novak Center for Children’s Health is one of the largest and most technically advanced pediatric outpatient centers in the country, with over 30 specialists housed in one location. Pediatric inpatient care is provided at Jack & Wendy’s Place, located within Norton Children’s Hospital.
Adult outpatient services are offered through Norton Community Medical Associates – Endocrinology offices, while inpatient services are provided at Norton Healthcare hospitals.
The Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute is staffed by board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric endocrinologists, diabetes nurse practitioners, certified diabetes educators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists, exercise physiologists and more, all focused on caring for children with diabetes and their families.
Community activities and outreach events are an important aspect of the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute’s mission. In addition to the importance of providing families with opportunities to learn more about how to live healthy, active lives, these events build a sense of community. We are proud to work with partners that help us build a strong, energetic diabetes community.
Our Diabetes Community Partnered Events
The Type 1 Club at the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute provides families in Kentucky and Southern Indiana with support, education and resources as they adjust to a new “normal” after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The club also seeks to promote awareness of type 1 diabetes and offers opportunities for education.
Camp Hendon gives children and families affected by Type 1 diabetes a place to go for camaraderie, education and support. Camp Hendon was named for the late James Robert Hendon, M.D., who was the first endocrinologist in Kentucky. Since 1965, Camp Hendon has served over 3,500 children with diabetes in Kentucky and the surrounding region. Camp Hendon is dedicated to improving campers’ physical and emotional health through summer camp, family retreats and other year-round programs. Camp Hendon’s mission is to give children with diabetes life-changing experiences, empowering them to take control of their unique journey.