Transition to Adult Services

What is transition?

When you turn 18 your diabetes care will move from the Children’s Service to the Adult service. We use a three year transition programme to help you move smoothly from children’s to adult services. We will help you take control of your diabetes management and practice the skills you need to have a happy healthy life.

When you turn 15 we will start the transition process with you. This means that:

You will start to see the adult diabetes doctors and nurses alongside the children’s team
The adult team will start to be involved in your clinics so that you can get to know them.
We will use Ready Steady Go forms to work out where you are ready for the change and where you need a little more help, practice or time to develop the skills you need
We will use “Ask Three Questions” so you can make decisions for yourself with the team to help and guide you.

How does the adult service work?

You will see different Doctors, nurses and dietitians
Your clinics will be in the diabetes centre
You will have fewer clinics
Letters and text messages will be sent directly to you
You will speak to the adult team yourself
You will make decisions about your treatment with the team’s support
You will do the day-to-day management of your diabetes yourself

You will get less one to one contact but remember: The adult team will always be there for you if you are having difficulties.

How can I get ready for transition?

Below are some things you can start to practice doing for yourself. You can do these at any time that is appropriate, the ages in brackets are just suggestions.

First steps (15)

Save the relevant numbers: Denise – 07964396874, Meeta – 07964404974, Pauline – 07976233465, Children’s diabetes team (01582 497112)
Send your meter download to your DSN
Ring or text your DSN to ask a question
Ring your DSN to check when your next appointment is (have your NHS number ready!)
Where is your appointment card? Make sure it is somewhere easy for you to see when you need to check it
Put the appointments in your calendars: on the wall and in your phone – work out how to set a reminder!
Ask the consultant a question in clinic. Write it down before you come. “ask three questions” and make a note of anything you want to remember

Getting more confident (16)

Make an appointment to see the dietitian. Will it be virtual or in person? Make sure to let your parents / carers know the details of what you have booked if you need them to take you. If your parents can’t bring you, just call and reschedule for a date they can make.
Write a list of things you want to know / want help with… Cooking, meal planning, snacking, eating out, how to manage T1 when you want to be spontaneous!

Smashing it! (17)

Getting your prescription. Online or through the GP surgery. Don’t know how to do this? Call one of the team and ask!
Do you know… what to do if your blood glucose is high? Or low? How being ill affects your diabetes and what to do about it? Don’t know what you would do? Look it up on the children’s diabetes website or call the team and ask. Keep checking you can what to do.
Attend clinic on your own. Plan and arrange how you will get there. Make sure you let school / college / work know in advance that you have an appointment.

What is Ready Steady Go?

Ready steady go is a series of three questionnaires developed specially for young people e-transitioning to adult services. Each questionnaire asks specific questions to help identify when you are ready for adult services and where you might like some help. Your Care team will use this to find out what help you need from them

Useful links

For information on how your diabetes interacts with alcohol, drugs, driving, tattoos, smoking, sex and pregnancy, please contact your diabetes nurse.