The transition of care for young people with type 1 diabetes from a paediatric medical practice to an adult medical practice is often awkward and stress-producing for the young person and his or her caregivers. Often, gaps in care are encountered.

As a result, deteriorations in glycaemic control may occur and contribute to the occurrence of acute and chronic complications of diabetes, as well as untreated psychosocial, behavioural and emotional challenges.

Diabetes educators play an integral role in assisting with and promoting a successful transition of care for these young patients.

This discussion session will focus on sharing strategies that promote positive outcomes for this patient population.

What solutions, systems or models of care would you recommend to aid young people with diabetes, so that they engage in ongoing medical care as adults?

Information about the moderator

The discussion will be moderated by Sue McLaughlin, MOL, BS, RD, CDE (Lead Medical Nutrition Therapist at Nebraska Medicine and Children’s Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic, Omaha, USA and Chair of the IDF Diabetes Education Consultative Section).

References

Peters A, & Laffel, L. Diabetes Care for Emerging Adults: Recommendations for Transition From Pediatric to Adult Diabetes Care Systems. Diabetes Care 2011; 34: 2477-2485.

Crowley R, Wolfe I, Lock K, & McKee M. Improving the transition between paediatric and adult healthcare: a systematic review. Arch Dis Child 2011. Published online March 8, 2011.