Transitions of care

Young people with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk for hospitalization for acute complications at the time of transition from pediatric to adult care, say researchers.

Young adults with diabetes type 1 show improvements in clinic attendance rates when a nonmedical transition coordinator is present during the changeover from pediatric to adult diabetes care, say the authors of a Canadian clinical trial.

Structured transition support improves clinic attendance, satisfaction with care, and diabetes-related distress in people with type 1 diabetes moving from pediatric to adult care, but only for the duration of the program, Canadian research shows.

Students with type 1 diabetes report increased difficulties with managing their condition when they start at university, with consequences for glycemic control and acute complications.

US researchers call for tailored clinical programs and policies to improve the transition from pediatric to adult care, and thus prevent worsening glycemic control, in young adults with type 2 diabetes.

An open-label randomized trial shows that an appointment manager reduces disengagement from health services among patients with type 1 diabetes after the first year following their transition from pediatric to adult care.