Transition from pediatric to adult care in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes: a blueprint for effective receivership

Abstract

For adolescents and emerging adults, the transition from pediatrics to adult care is fraught with challenges both inside and outside the clinical arena, including assuming independent care for diabetes, working with new adult providers, and overcoming concomitant psychosocial issues, while maintaining work/school-life balance. Not surprisingly, glycemic control in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes is amongst the worst in all age groups. Thus, new and comprehensive strategies are needed by both pediatric and adult diabetes care teams to support young adults during the transition to adult care. In this review, we focus on challenges during the transition period and provide evidence-based recommendations for a receivership model to assist adult diabetes care teams in addressing these concerns. By coordinating efforts with pediatrics providers, identifying strengths and deficiencies in self-care, establishing rapport with young adult patients, directly addressing prevalent psychosocial concerns, and developing a team-based approach to keep patients engaged, adult care teams can prioritize support for the most vulnerable transition patients. Improved strategies to propel emerging adult patients through the transition period towards habits leading to optimal glycemic control could have a major long-term impact on preventing diabetes-related complications.