title: Transitions in care: support group for young adults with Type 1 diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Young adulthood is a challenging period for patients with Type 1 diabetes as developmental changes complicate Type 1 diabetes management and gaps in care may arise as patients transition from paediatric to adult providers. This period has been associated with worsening diabetes outcomes. One approach to aid young adults during this transition period could entail professionally led support groups to enhance self-motivation and facilitate peer-to-peer interactions. We implemented and evaluated a support group for young adults with Type 1 diabetes as a pilot project.
  
  
  METHODS
  Young adults with Type 1 diabetes (18-30 years) participated in monthly, professionally led support groups for 5 months. Questionnaires were completed pre- and post-group and chart review data were collected regarding glycaemic control and visit frequency in the year before and after group participation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participation in the group was associated with improvement in HbA(1c) and decreased self-reported diabetes burden, along with a trend for an increase in diabetes-related self-care behaviours. Frequency of visits did not vary from pre- to post-group. Discussion topics identified by participants included managing diabetes in day-to-day life, experiences and interactions with others who do not have diabetes and emotions related to diabetes. Participants identified that they sought a diabetes care team that offers knowledge, support and a multidisciplinary team.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Professionally led support groups may have utility for increasing social support and optimizing diabetes outcomes in young adults with Type 1 diabetes.
authors.affiliation: Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA. jessica.markowitz@joslin.harvard.edu
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Markowitz
authors.forename: L M B
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Laffel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human