Generally the transition from children’s (pediatric) diabetes care to adult diabetes care will take place between the ages of 16 and 18.
However, there is no set age and the transition from pedriatric to adult care should take place when you are ready.
How will I know when I’ll be switched to adult care?
Before the change takes place, you should be informed of when the transition will take place and you should be given the chance to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
How different is adult care to children’s care?
Teenagers may often find that they need to take more ownership of their diabetes when they progress to adult care.
In paediatric care, the doctors and nurses will typically spend more time making sure you’ve got to grips with everything.
This should still happen in adult care but you may need to be more proactive in asking questions.
What if I am finding the transition difficult?
If you at all isolated or have difficulty expressing yourself to a new doctor or consultant, you can contact a doctor or nurse at your old clinic who should be able to give you advice for handling the change.
What can I expect from the transition from the children’s to adult clinic?
The transition should not be an abrupt change. In an ideal situation you will go through a transition clinic but this won’t always be available.
You should be given a clear idea of any increase in your own responsibilities and be notified in writing of any other differences in your care such as how often your clinics or care reviews will be, where they will take place and which health staff you will see for your reviews.
