Deborah A. Elder, MD
- Director of Endocrinology, Pancreas Care Center
- Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
- deborah.elder@cchmc.org
- Board Certified
About
Biography
During medical school, I was influenced by mentors and positive role models to enter the pediatrics field. As a pediatric endocrinologist and diabetes specialist, I approach each child as if they were my own. I often ask myself, “If this were my child, what would I want from my provider and the management plan?”
In my practice, I'm a strong patient advocate. I’m the lead endocrinologist within the Division of Pulmonology and Director of Endocrinology within the Pancreas Care Canter. I provide care for children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis and those with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis.
TPIAT, or total pancreatectomy with islet auto transplantation, is surgery for severe, debilitating pain from acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis. We’ve created and utilized a TPIAT clinical registry to maintain better communication and management with our patients who have undergone this procedure.
I am studying beta-cell function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis and those who are being evaluated for a TPIAT procedure.
In my spare time, I enjoy trying new recipes, gardening and spending time outdoors.
BS: Michigan State University, 1991
MD: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 1995
Residency: Indiana University Riley Hospital For Children, Indianapolis, IN, 1998
Fellowship: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 2001
Certifications: Pediatric endocrinology
Interests
Type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes; cystic-fibrosis-related diabetes; assessment of beta-cell function in the evaluation of total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TPAIT) in children with chronic pancreatitis; growth disorders; precocious puberty; pancreatic center member; cystic fibrosis and endocrine combined clinic; lung transplantation center member.
Services and Specialties
Interests
Beta-cell function and glucose tolerance in a variety of different diabetes conditions.
Research Areas
Insurance Information
Cincinnati Children's strives to accept a wide variety of health plans. Please contact your health insurance carrier to verify coverage for your specific benefit plan.
Publications
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Comprehensive Lifestyle Intervention for Adolescents With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Prospective Controlled Cohort Study. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2026; 64(6):758-769.
Interpreting Glucose Management Indicator and Point-of-Care Hemoglobin A1c Discrepancies in Pediatric Patients with Islet Autotransplantation and Hemoglobin A1c Under 6.5%: A Guide for TPIAT Providers. Journal of diabetes science and technology. 2026; 19322968261465344.
Mo1901 SPLEEN-PRESERVING TOTAL PANCREATECTOMY WITH ISLET AUTOTRANSPLANTATION IN CHILDREN. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2026; 103(5):s-2265.
Mo1901 SPLEEN-PRESERVING TOTAL PANCREATECTOMY WITH ISLET AUTOTRANSPLANTATION IN CHILDREN. Gastroenterology. 2026; 170(6):s-2265.
High Rate of Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Pancreas. 2026; 55(2):e193-e201.
1551-P: Exploring Islet Autoantibody Positivity and β-Cell Function after Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Auto Transplantation. Diabetes. 2025; 74(Supplement_1).
Islet Autoantibodies and Their Association With β-Cell Function and Diabetes Measures in Children With Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis. Diabetes Care. 2025; 48(6):974-981.
1121: ISLET AUTOANTIBODIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH β CELL FUNCTION AND DIABETES MEASURES IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RECURRENT AND CHRONIC PANCREATITIS. Gastroenterology. 2025; 169(1):s-271-s-272.
Phase 1 study of quercetin, a natural antioxidant for children and young adults with Fanconi anemia. Blood advances. 2025; 9(8):1927-1939.
Limitations of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Pediatric Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation Population: Comparing Patient Experiences of the Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre Systems. Diabetes Spectrum. 2025; 38(3):300-306.
3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
© 2026 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. All rights reserved.
Patient Ratings and Comments
All patient satisfaction ratings and comments are submitted by actual patients and verified by a leading independent experience management company, Qualtrics. Patient identities are withheld to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Only those providers whose satisfaction surveys are administered through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center are displayed. Click here to learn more about our survey