Comprehensive care for children and adolescents with endocrinology disorders, including diabetes, growth disorders, thyroid conditions and more.
Conditions and diseases associated with a child’s endocrine system are often much different than their adult counterparts. Endocrinology disorders in children require a team approach — engaging not only the child and their family, but also existing primary care providers and other needed pediatric specialties to ensure every child receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.
Inova Children's endocrinologists are highly qualified
to treat diabetes and other pediatric conditions related to growth and development with
sensitivity and compassion. These experts are well versed in pediatric
hormonal conditions affecting growth and sexual development and
understand fully their impact on a child’s physical and emotional health.
We collaborate with many local Virginia health care providers, including the George Mason University Center for Psychological Services and the Inova Center for Wellness and Metabolic Health, to provide children and their families access to the best possible care close to home.
Inova Children's Endocrinology and Diabetes Care Specialists
Inova Children’s Endocrinology includes some of the region’s top pediatric endocrinologists. Additionally, the team offers a wide range of expertise in pediatric endocrinology, including psychological support.
Medical Director
Oksana Lazareva, MD
Oksana Lazareva, MD, serves as Medical Director of Endocrinology. She is board certified in pediatric endocrinology and was named a Washingtonian Top Doctor in 2022. She completed her residency at the Infants and Children’s Hospital of Brooklyn Maimonides Medical Center and a fellowship at the State University of New York (SUNY) - Downstate Medical Center. She grew up in Smolensk, Russia, and has practiced in the Washington, DC area since 2011.
Dr. Lazareva's clinical interests include the management of diabetes mellitus, growth disorders, Turner syndrome, thyroid disorders, congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
In her free time, Dr. Lazareva enjoys reading, spending time with her family, playing tennis and volleyball, playing violin, and hiking.
Diabetes and Endocrinology Specialists
Rida Javaid, MD
Rinku Mehra, MD
Otilia Neacsu, MD
Mia Pingul, MD
Haley Smith, CPNP-PC
Robyn Mehlenbeck, PhD
Nupur Gupta, PsyD
Other Pediatric Endocrinology Providers
Douglas O. Sobel, MD
Individualized diabetes education and counseling for your child
Inova's diabetes educators will meet with you and your child to cover essentials on diabetes treatment and management. Programs include continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pumps, weight management, and individual diabetes management and education.
The team features child-focused expertise in all areas of pediatric endocrinology, especially disorders associated with:
- Growth
- Puberty
- Thyroid gland
- Adrenal gland
- Sex differentiation
- Glucose metabolism (diabetes mellitus/hypoglycemia)
- Bone and mineral metabolism
- Water metabolism (diabetes insipidus)
- Pituitary/hypothalamus
- Menstrual irregularities, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Available treatments and services:
- Diabetes education
- Psychological support
- Initiation and monitoring of insulin pump treatment
- Initiation and monitoring of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems
Events and support for your family
Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital offers many resources to patients and families
living with diabetes.
Insulin affordability/diabetes care discount programs
Download: Insulin Cost-Saving Resource Guide 
Camps
Diabetes summer camps are a great way for children with diabetes to learn
more about their disease, gain independence from their parents, meet other
children who have similar healthcare needs and simply have fun. Check back for dates of upcoming camps.
Community-based events
Inova participates in community-based events throughout the year in
Northern Virginia and the DC metro area. Major events include walks
sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation to raise much-needed funding for increased
awareness and to support research.
For information regarding our current community involvement, call Inova
Diabetes Center at 1-877-511-GOAL (4625).
Support groups
Capital Area Type 1 Diabetes Support is a good source of activities and events.
Families of children who live with type 1 diabetes can join this
membership-based Yahoo! Group that provides support and resources to
DC-area families. Learn more about this support group 