New Diabetes Center Becomes Hub for Holistic Care

UH System Update | March 2025

Comprehensive endocrine care at MidTown emphasizes thorough diagnosis, treatment and education

Clare Kelly, MD

Clare Kelly, MD, was drawn to endocrinology for its holistic view in treating the whole person. And in deciding where to practice this high-demand specialty, she found that University Hospitals has the most collaborative approach to medicine.

The lead physician who sees patients at the new UH Diabetes Center at MidTown is passionate about taking time with her patients to ensure they receive the full benefit of its comprehensive care. In this facility, located on a bus route in the Cleveland Foundation’s building at 6529 Euclid Avenue, patients in this underserved neighborhood see specialized providers, including nutritionists and educators. A recent diabetes-focused Wellness Retreat hosted by the team there drew a full house.

The Center sees patients struggling with diabetes – the 7th leading cause of death in the United States – and other endocrine disorders involving the thyroid, pituitary or adrenal glands. In Cuyahoga County, 13% of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes and an additional 33% have pre-diabetes. Whether Type 1 or 2, diabetes can lead myriad health complications including leg amputation, kidney disease, delayed wound healing, depression, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Despite a high prevalence of diabetes in low-income communities, programs for the treatment of diabetes are usually found in areas where the population is highly educated and privately insured. The American Diabetes Association recommends addressing disparities directly in regions with the highest diabetes prevalence alongside socioeconomic disadvantages.

Team members at the UH Diabetes Center at MidTown include (L to R): Quiana Howard, Clare Kelly, MD, Betul Hatipoglu, MD, Erica Johnson, Marti Marshall-Stoyanoff, Eddie Wrenn.

“This center is the culmination of our mission and long-standing commitment to help our community,” said endocrinologist Betul Hatipoglu, MD, Medical Director of the UH Diabetes & Metabolic Care Center and Mary B. Lee Chair in Adult Endocrinology. “Barriers to access have a huge impact on people’s health. In this location, many patients will be within walking distance of their appointments from their homes in the neighborhood. The location of this center is key to helping people live healthier lives.”

Providers use labs and a wide range of imaging, including ultrasounds, nuclear medicine scans, CT for the adrenal gland and MRI for the pituitary gland. All these elements are used to piece together a complex health picture for each patient, explaining how hormones and other systemic factors impact one’s health. They take the time to ensure each patient understands the picture too, including the role of exercise and nutrition.

“Education drives patient outcomes,” Dr. Kelly said. “I’m very interested in addressing social determinants of health. Endocrinology is fairly complex, it’s fascinating how intertwined everything is, and access to education is a barrier to healthcare. Here, we are afforded more time to impact our patients’ lives.”

In March, the team hosted one of the UH Diabetes and Metabolic Center’s wellness retreats. Pictured from left are: Clare Kelly MD, Amanda Lesniak, Megan Tribout, Elizabeth Pop, Betul Hatipoglu MD.

Dr. Kelly did her residency at UH and was mentored by Dr. Hatipoglu. She saw how Dr. Hatipoglu connected with her patients, and how patients enthusiastically looked forward to their visits with her.

After completing her fellowship at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Dr. Kelly returned to Cleveland and explored all the local opportunities in the area. UH afforded her the best chance to practice as she believed medicine should be. And she was eager to work with Dr. Hatipoglu again.

Dr. Kelly also noted that she trained with other physicians who are less fulfilled in private practice because they are unable to devote enough quality time to each patient.

“UH is a super-collaborative place that helps you facilitate your passion,” Dr. Kelly said. “This impacts patient outcomes, because caregivers love to come to work, and patients get better care.”

To learn more, go to UHhospitals.org/MetabolicCare. To schedule an appointment, call 216-678-9312.