National Diabetes Transition Audit 2011-2017

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Supporting lifelong management of the condition is essential for achieving the most positive outcomes for the individual. Patients making the move from paediatric to adult services are at risk of disruption in care, with both short and long-term health effects.

This report examines care provision during the period when young people with Type 1 diabetes move from paediatric to adult-based clinical care in England and Wales. The findings of the report point to deterioration in annual care process completion, achievement of treatment targets and higher rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when young people transition from paediatric to adult services, with considerable local service variation.

The report sets out recommendations for local specialist services, clinical commissioning groups and health boards.