The World Diabetes Congress 2015 confirmed again the evidence known to the majority of the diabetes world – diabetes care within the young adult period is difficult. This population has the most suboptimal results throughout the diabetes lifespan. Health professionals report a demotivation in their own practice following educating young adults. Potentially a new fresh approach could help within our clinic settings – an approach that may engage and motivate the young adults and may prevent our own clinicians from professional ‘burn out’.

Each individual young adult may have different needs and responds to different approaches. Thus, within this setting there is most definitely not a ‘one size fits all’. For those struggling to take on diabetes education, educating in an environment outside of the clinic and within familiar ‘grounds’ to the young adult may have beneficial impacts (example; at the young adult’s college, home, coffee shop etc.). Changing an approach, however, could be the catalyst for the young adult to embrace diabetes care.

Has your clinic a novel approach to young adult care which others may benefit from?

Information about the moderator

Daniel Howarth is a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Currently MSc Diabetes student at the University of Salford Manchester, United Kingdom. On sabbatical from Waitemata DHB, Auckland New Zealand – Inpatient lead.