Impact of the transition council in type 1 diabetes: Bridging the gap to adult care

Abstract

Aim This retrospective study evaluates the impact of the transition council on clinic attendance, glycaemic control and complications in type 1 diabetes. Methods Since 2015, monthly multidisciplinary transition meetings (transition councils) have been held involving paediatric and adult endocrinology departments at Bursa Uludag University Hospital, Turkey. The study retrospectively compared outcomes of type 1 diabetes patients who transitioned to adult care via the council versus standard transition. A total of 180 patients (90 in each group) aged at transition 18-21 years (58.9% male) were included. Results Within 6 months post-transition, 84.9% of council patients (exposed group) and 54.1% of the standard care group attended at least one visit (p < 0.001). Regular follow-up during the first year was significantly higher in the exposed group (58.1% vs. 29.7%, p < 0.001); rates were similar between groups in subsequent years. HbA1c levels increased significantly 1 year after transition in the standard care group (p = 0.025), while the exposed group remained stable (p = 0.719). No significant differences were observed in hospitalisation or diabetic ketoacidosis. Conclusion This transition model may improve regular follow-up rates during the challenging first year of transition and help prevent additional deterioration in glycaemic control compared to standard care. Prospective randomised trials could strengthen these findings.