Looking forward to transition: perspectives on transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care.

Aim: This study aimed to prospectively investigate transition beliefs, knowledge and needs of pediatric patients with diabetes and their parents.

Patients & methods: Parallel youth and parent questionnaires evaluating the transition process were distributed over a 6-month time period. Respondents included 123 pediatric patients with diabetes (11-19 years old) and their parents.

Results: Few families had discussed the transition of diabetes care (∼25%). Most had not established a transition plan (∼90%). Youth and parents agreed that seeing the doctor alone, discussions about transition and transition itself should occur at 17-18 years of age.

Conclusion: Youth with diabetes and their parents are not prepared for transition to adult care. Transition discussions should begin at an earlier age. Additional research is needed to learn how and when to begin these discussions.