expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Kathleen E. Bethin, MD

Endocronologist (Pediatric)

Dr. Kathleen E. Bethin MD is a top Endocronologist (Pediatric) in Buffalo, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to her specialty, Dr. Kathleen E. Bethin MD is an expert in changing the lives of her patients for the better. Through her designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Kathleen E. Bethin MD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in her field, Dr. Kathleen E. Bethin MD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. She embodies the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Buffalo, NY, Dr. Kathleen E. Bethin MD is a true asset to her field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
29 years Experience
Dr. Kathleen E. Bethin, MD
  • Buffalo, NY
  • University At Buffalo SUNY School Of Med and Biomedical Sciences Buffalo Ny
  • Accepting new patients

Is stevia okay for juvenile diabletes?

You cannot use it to treat low blood sugars. But if you are using it to reduce carbohydrates in his diet, that would be fine.

My 7 year old son is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Will it affect his growth?

Please take your son to a pediatric endocrinologist. Although it is possible that he has Type 2 diabetes, it is extremely rare less than 10 years of age and I would definitely READ MORE
Please take your son to a pediatric endocrinologist. Although it is possible that he has Type 2 diabetes, it is extremely rare less than 10 years of age and I would definitely get a second opinion.

My son just doesn’t feel hungry on his own. Should I get some tests done?

If your son is normal height and weight, this may not be a problem. However, it sounds like he should be seen by a physician. Most hormone problems do not cause a problem with READ MORE
If your son is normal height and weight, this may not be a problem. However, it sounds like he should be seen by a physician. Most hormone problems do not cause a problem with not feeling hungry. I would think of a gastrointestinal problem more likely.

Can childhood obesity be triggered because of a hormone imbalance?

It is possibly a hormone imbalance, but it is more likely a problem with eating and exercise habits.

My daughter is 14 years old and still hasn't gotten her period. Should I be worried?

This may be normal. However, 14 years of age is when a pediatric endocrinologist would do an evaluation to make sure there is nothing wrong.

My son is not gaining weight. Could it be a hormonal issue?

Hormonal issues is one cause of poor weight gain. I would ask the doctor to explain why they think your son is okay.

What are the hormones responsible for increasing height in children?

All of your hormones in balance is essential for good growth. Growth hormone is the hormone directly responsible for growth. It is secreted during deep sleep. It is important for READ MORE
All of your hormones in balance is essential for good growth. Growth hormone is the hormone directly responsible for growth. It is secreted during deep sleep. It is important for a child to get 8-10 hours of sleep every night so he can grow properly. He also needs to be eating healthy. Your son's healthcare provider should help you make sure that there is not a health problem slowing down his growth. I do not know of any supplements that help growth.

My daughter is 14 years old and has PCOD. What should I do?

I am assuming that you are referring to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. You should consult your daughter's doctor, but eating healthier (less processed foods, less carbohydrates, READ MORE
I am assuming that you are referring to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. You should consult your daughter's doctor, but eating healthier (less processed foods, less carbohydrates, and more fiber) and one hour of exercise per day (recommended for all adolescents) tend to improve weight gain and PCOS.

My son has juvenile diabetes. How can I increase his stamina?

Yes, if your son is healthy and wants to play sports he should play sports! Exercise usually does improve stamina. When a kid has diabetes there is extra work involved with playing READ MORE
Yes, if your son is healthy and wants to play sports he should play sports! Exercise usually does improve stamina. When a kid has diabetes there is extra work involved with playing sports, but being active is important!

Does eating sweets cause diabetes in children?

Type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating sweets. However, depending on family history, how old your daughter is, and other factors including excess weight, she may increase her READ MORE
Type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating sweets. However, depending on family history, how old your daughter is, and other factors including excess weight, she may increase her risk of type 2 diabetes. Your daughter's healthcare provider would be able to answer this more definitively.

Why does my son burst into a sweat whenever he is hungry?

This may be nothing except an exaggerated response to hunger. However, sweating with hunger could indicate something that needs to be investigated further. I would recommend READ MORE
This may be nothing except an exaggerated response to hunger. However, sweating with hunger could indicate something that needs to be investigated further. I would recommend asking his healthcare provider.

My daughter has a slight swelling around her throat. Could it be a sign of a thyroid imbalance?

Swelling in the throat could be a thyroid imbalance but blood work is necessary to know for sure. I would definitely have her primary healthcare provider examine her.

My daughter has increased TSH levels and is on thyronorm 25mg. Will it be a lifelong medication for her?

I assume you mean 25 mcg (micrograms) and not mg (milligrams). This is a very small dose of thyroid hormone for a full grown 17-year-old. Whether or not it is permanent depends READ MORE
I assume you mean 25 mcg (micrograms) and not mg (milligrams). This is a very small dose of thyroid hormone for a full grown 17-year-old. Whether or not it is permanent depends on why it was prescribed. It is not necessarily permanent. You can always ask your daughters doctor at the next appointment if they think it is really necessary.

Kathleen Bethin, MD, PhD

Type 1 diabetes and general anethesia

You should ask your son's diabetes health care team to look at your son's history (past diabetes control and most recent blood sugars) and help you to decide what to do with your READ MORE
You should ask your son's diabetes health care team to look at your son's history (past diabetes control and most recent blood sugars) and help you to decide what to do with your son's insulin prior to surgery. Make sure that the doctors doing the surgery and anesthesia know your son has diabetes when the schedule the procedure.

What is the connection between low ferritin level and thyroid?

There is not a direct connection. However, there could be a problem that is affecting both. Also, sometimes when children are sick their thyroid levels go down to allow the body READ MORE
There is not a direct connection. However, there could be a problem that is affecting both. Also, sometimes when children are sick their thyroid levels go down to allow the body to heal. Please follow up with your child's primary care provider.

Where we can do this procedure and how much the cost for two kids?

Any stem cell procedures for diabetes are experimental. Unfortunately, we do not have a cure for type 1 diabetes yet. However, we are working on it and hopefully will have a cure READ MORE
Any stem cell procedures for diabetes are experimental. Unfortunately, we do not have a cure for type 1 diabetes yet. However, we are working on it and hopefully will have a cure soon.

How is juvenile diabetes managed in small children?

You need to speak to your child’s diabetes team about the specifics. All children should eat healthy and eat sweets as a treat rather than anytime they want. A child with diabetes READ MORE
You need to speak to your child’s diabetes team about the specifics. All children should eat healthy and eat sweets as a treat rather than anytime they want. A child with diabetes may eat the same thing as other children as long as they take insulin for any carbohydrates that they eat. I think that your diabetes care team should be able to help you with this.

Why is son's height is not growing as per the health chart?

Your son may be a late bloomer which may result in him continuing to grow while his peers have stopped growing. He also could have a hormone problem or another medical condition. READ MORE
Your son may be a late bloomer which may result in him continuing to grow while his peers have stopped growing. He also could have a hormone problem or another medical condition. A medical provider should be able to look at your son's growth chart to see if there is a chance there is a hormone problem or not. If you are concerned, you should talk to your son's health care provider and ask if he/she thought your son needs screening tests or referral to a specialist.