Describing a Transition to Adult Type 1 Diabetes Care Model at the McGill University Health Centre.

Abstract

Aims: To describe a type 1 diabetes melllitus (T1DM) transition care model by assessing clinic attendance, glycemic management, and diabetes-related hospitalizations.

Methods: This is a descriptive longitudinal single-center study of patients with T1DM aged 18 to 25 referred to our transition clinic from 2012 to 2021 (N=179).

Results: Our data analysis demonstrates an average clinic attendance rate of 79% and mean time between last pediatric and first adult visit of 6.9 months ± 5.8. HbA1c at last pediatric visit, first and last transition visit were 8.92 ± 1.84%, 9.03 ± 1.84%, and 8.47 ± 1.74%, respectively. There was no change of frequency of diabetes-related hospitalizations after transfer to transition clinic.

Conclusion: Youth attending our transition clinic had high clinic attendance and improved glycemic management at their last transition visit compared to the last pediatric visit without an increase in diabetes-related hospitalizations. This highlights the potential importance of comprehensive support in addressing psychosocial and lifestyle challenges during the critical transition period from pediatric to adult care.