J Korean Diabetes.  2021 Jun;22(2):77-84. 10.4093/jkd.2021.22.2.77.

Diabetes in Adolescence, Appropriate Transition to Adult Clinic

• Lee J
• Kim JH

• KMID: 2526184
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2021.22.2.77

Abstract

As the prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents increases, the transition of diabetes care from childhood to adulthood is increasing. During the transition period, the risks for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia as well as microvascular and macrovascular complications can increase due to poor glycemic control along with mental health problems and high-risk behaviors. It is necessary to prepare and plan for the transition to the adult care system so that diabetes care is properly implemented, reducing the risk of complications and fostering successful diabetes management. The transition should begin at least 1 year prior to transfer and should focus on patient diabetes self-management skills. Pediatric providers should prepare a summary of the patient's medical records, including current mental health problems and presence of complications. Adult providers should be aware of and take into account the characteristics of emerging adults in management of diabetes, which are different from those of older adults. For successful transition, it is necessary to spend more time, consider mental health problems and high-risk behaviors, and communicate and exchange information with the pediatric provider. To this end, it is necessary for academia to develop a systematic, specific, and practical transition program and protocols and to develop a transition training program for pediatric and adult providers.

Keyword

Adolescent; Diabetes mellitus; Transition to adult care; Young adult

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