Navigating the Transition: Moving from Child to Adult Diabetes Care

Transitioning from children’s diabetes care to adult care is a big milestone- and it’s completely normal to have mixed feelings about it. You’ve probably built a close relationship with your diabetes team over the years, so the idea of moving to a new clinic or hospital can feel daunting.

However, this step is an important part of growing up with Type 1 Diabetes, and it’s designed to give you more independence, confidence, and control over your own health.

When Does the Transition Happen?

In the UK, the move to adult diabetes services usually happens between ages 16 and 19, but the exact timing depends on where you live, your local NHS Trust, and your individual readiness.

Your diabetes team will start talking with you (and your parents) about transition well before it happens. This gives you time to get used to the idea and learn what to expect. Some hospitals have “transition clinics” where you meet your new adult team before officially transferring, so it feels like a gradual, supported change.

How is Adult Care Different?

The biggest difference is that adult diabetes care focuses on you as an independent person, rather than your parents or carers managing things for you.

Here’s what changes:

• Appointments are led by you. You’ll be encouraged to talk directly to your healthcare team, answer questions about your diabetes management, and discuss your goals.

• Parents take a step back. They can still be involved (with your permission), but the focus shifts to you taking the lead.

• Different clinic structure. Adult clinics may be larger, see more patients, and may not always feel as personal as children’s services- but you’ll still get excellent care and access to specialists like dietitians, psychologists, and diabetes nurses.

• More focus on your lifestyle. Adult teams discuss topics like work, university, travel, driving, contraception, and emotional health- all with your independence in mind.

Why This Transition is a Positive Step

Moving to adult care means you’re gaining more responsibility- and that’s something to be proud of.

• You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself and make decisions about your care.

• You’ll have more say in how appointments are run and what goals you set.

• You’ll be supported in building skills for adult life- like ordering prescriptions, managing care around exams, jobs, or uni, and knowing who to contact for help.

Think of it as your diabetes journey growing up alongside you.

How to Get Ready for the Move

Here are some practical steps for teens preparing for adult care:

1. Ask questions early. Don’t be afraid to ask your team what will change and who will be part of your new care team.

2. Research your future clinic. Take time to learn about your new adult diabetes service- what technology they support, how they run appointments, and whether they offer psychological or specialist nurse support. If you have a choice of clinics, pick one that best suits your needs and feels like a good fit.

3. Practice independence. Start booking your own appointments, reordering supplies, or taking the lead in clinic discussions.

4. Gain confidence in your diabetes knowledge. Before moving to adult care, ask your team for extra support or refresher sessions in any areas you feel less confident- like adjusting insulin for alcohol, sports, travel, or hormonal changes. Building this knowledge now will make your transition smoother.

5. Know your details. Learn your insulin types, ratios, correction doses, and how to access emergency help.

6. Keep a record. Have your diabetes info (pump settings, insulin doses, recent blood glucose logs, hospital letters) ready for your new team.

7. Visit your new clinic early. If possible, attend a transition or joint appointment before your full transfer. Meeting your new team in advance can ease any worries.

8. Make sure you have access to key NHS apps. Set up or check your access to the NHS App and any local hospital apps so you can view your test results, clinic letters, and appointments details electronically.

9. Download your GP’s prescription app. Once you’ve moved to adult care, you’ll often manage your own prescriptions, so download the app used by your GP surgery for ordering repeat prescriptions.

10. Apply for a medical exemption certificate. Once you turn 18, speak to your GP to get your medical exemption certificate. This entitles you to free NHS prescriptions for diabetes related medication and supplies.

11. Plan ahead for university. If you’re heading straight to uni, decide whether to stay registered with your home GP or register with one near your university. Whichever you choose, make sure you can access diabetes care easily where you spend most of your time.

How Parents Can Support the Transition

This can be a big change for parents too. It’s natural to feel nervous about stepping back when you’ve been so involved in your child’s care for years. Here are some ways to support both your child and yourself:

• Encourage independence gradually. Let your teen take on more responsibility bit by bit- such as managing their prescriptions or updating the care team.

• Stay supportive but step back. Be there to listen, but try not to take over. Allow your teen to lead conversations with healthcare professionals.

• Attend joint transition appointments. This helps everyone understand what’s changing and builds confidence in the new setup.

• Seek support for yourself. Many diabetes teams or local parent groups offer transition support sessions. Talking with other parents who’ve gone through it can be reassuring.

• Trust the process. The move to adult care is designed to empower your young person, and the adult team will guide them to be safe and confident in their diabetes management.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning into adult care marks an exciting new chapter- one where you’ll gain confidence, independence, and a stronger voice in your diabetes journey. It might take time to adjust, but you’ll still have a supportive healthcare team by your side.

For parents, it’s time to be proud- you’ve helped your child build the foundations they need to manage Type 1 Diabetes as an adult.

Together, you’ve got this!