Transitioning with T1D

Understanding the Challenge

When youth living with type 1 diabetes turn 17, they begin to prepare for a double transition in their lives: graduating from high school to start either post-secondary school or work and aging out of the pediatric diabetes care system. Each of these transitions presents new opportunities and new challenges for youth with T1D, and research has shown that 35% of young patients do not connect with the adult health care system for their diabetes management follow-up. This can leave them on their own to deal with the day-to-day challenges of T1D and at an increased risk for both short-term and long-term complications. Peer support programming has been proven to increase diabetes management among young adults and improve their mental and social well-being, which is why DHF focuses on delivering peer-led programming to support youth through their transition and beyond.