Looking forward to transition: perspectives on transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care

Jennifer K Raymond, Danny C Duke, Lisa Shimomaeda, Michael A Harris
2013 Diabetes Management  
Aim-This study aimed to prospectively investigate transition beliefs, knowledge and needs of pediatric patients with diabetes and their parents. Patients & methods-Parallel youth and parent questionnaires evaluating the transition process were distributed over a 6-month time period. Respondents included 123 pediatric patients with diabetes (11-19 years old) and their parents. Results-Few families had discussed the transition of diabetes care (∼25%). Most had not established a transition plan
more » ... 0%). Youth and parents agreed that seeing the doctor alone, discussions about transition and transition itself should occur at 17-18 years of age. Conclusion-Youth with diabetes and their parents are not prepared for transition to adult care. Transition discussions should begin at an earlier age. Additional research is needed to learn how and when to begin these discussions. The transition process is a major medical issue given that each year approximately 500,000 youth in the USA with complex medical conditions turn 18 years of age and most will require transition from pediatric to adult care [1]. The scientific community has recently begun to examine the challenges faced by young people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) during the transition from pediatric to adult care [2] . A recent analysis completed in patients with T1DM participating in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study found patients who transitioned to adult diabetes care had a 2.5-times higher risk of poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥9.0%) when compared with patients continuing to see pediatric providers [3]. Given increased failure to follow-up for routine diabetes care and low rates of medical adherence resulting in poor metabolic control, young people with diabetes who are
doi:10.2217/dmt.13.27 pmid:24416076 pmcid:PMC3883719 fatcat:tx744zwzibapthzgsyvlx3qfzy