Factors affecting transition of young people with diabetes

Lack of pre-planned, supported transitional care for adolescents that is undertaken at an appropriate time and involves parents can result in many young people 'dropping out' of adult diabetes clinics. This may affect the young person's health, increasing the risk of clinical and psychiatric complications. Although standards and guidelines exist for transitional care arrangements and age-appropriate facilities, the evidence shows that these are not generally available across the UK. Factors that affect successful transition identified from research are reviewed in this article and an example provided of local services developed from this evidence base. Transitional care issues are generic, not condition specific. The evidence and guidance should be implemented for all young people with ongoing needs, including the simple procedure of contacting all those who have missed an appointment.