Introduction & Objective: Emerging young adults (YA) with diabetes have unique needs but there is few data on transition readiness to guide clinical programs. We assessed transition readiness, mood, and behaviors in YA at a multi-disciplinary diabetes transition clinic.
Methods: Adults ≥18y<30y with diabetes (78% youth-onset type 2 diabetes, 11% type 1 diabetes, 11% other) at a single center were invited at their initial visit to complete Endocrine Society “Self-assessment of Worries, Concerns, and Burdens Related to Diabetes and Transitioning”, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) forms to assess transition readiness, depressive mood, and anxiety.
Results: In 37 YA (20.6±2.7y, 60% female, 58% Black, BMI:35.8±8.9 kg/m2, hemoglobin A1c 7.4±2.4%), 81% reported adequate diabetes knowledge. One in 4 YA had diabetes-related challenges (Table). PHQ-9 scores were >9 (moderate depression) in 27%; 50% had anxiety causing difficulty with activities of daily living. Transition or PHQ-9 scores did not differ by diagnosis or sex. Black YA had the lowest GAD scores (P=0.01). There were no relationships between transition scores with PHQ-9, GAD-7, or HbA1c.
Conclusion: YA reported adequate diabetes knowledge, but high rates of diabetes burdens distinct from mood symptoms. Social and supportive care resources are needed to improve transition care.
S.B. Glaros: None. G.P. Thota: None. S.A. Dixon: None. A. Chowdhury: None. F. Davis: None. A. Krenek: None. N. Malandrino: None. L. Mabundo: None. M. Monaghan: Employee; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. S.T. Chung: None.
Intramural Research Program of National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
