[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]There comes a point where children with type 1 diabetes have to transition from a pediatric diabetes program to an adult medical diabetes program. Once involved in an adult program, research has found that continuing and maintaining diabetic care can be very challenging for the person with type 1, and therefore for the supporters of this individual and for the healthcare professionals.  Diabetes support for young adults therefore requires attention.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][ad-slot slotcode=’div-gpt-ad-lb-resp-cont1′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]There seem to be cultural and developmental reasons for this behaviour. Young people in their 20’s living in North America delay assuming adult roles with respect to marriage, parenting and work compared with young adults in earlier generations.  Some have suggested that the young adulthood developmental stage does not immediately follow adolescence but begins when youth are in their late 20’s or early 30’s.  The stage between 18-30 years has been defined as ‘Emerging Adulthood’.

From 18-24 years of age, an individual’s competitive academic, economic and social priorities often detract from a commitment to chronic disease management. At this stage in life, an individual is usually transitioning geographically, economically, and emotionally away from the parental home to start a new school and/or enter the workforce.  From 24-30 years of age, a maturing sense of identity and assuming of adult like roles in society such as entering into stable intimate relationships and full time employment occur.  A growing recognition of good health also becomes important.

The stressors experienced by individuals with type 1 diabetes during the emerging adulthood include:

• Feeling discouraged or overwhelmed with the diabetes regime: tired of having diabetes
• Uncomfortable interactions concerning diabetes with family, friends or coworkers
• Feelings of guilt or anxiety about not following through with recommendations from the health care team
• Rigorous daily demands, too busy and too difficult to put diabetes back as a priority
• New found freedom of young adult years
• Angry about living with diabetes and being dependent upon insulin
• Struggling with depression and other issues such as eating disorders, including insulin omission
• Not able to afford insulin and diabetic supplies due to loss of parent’s medical benefit program and unable to find employment with medical coverage
• Their perception of what an adult diabetic program will be like

[/vc_column_text][read-also-article article-slug=”depression-in-teens-with-type-1-diabetes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][ad-slot slotcode=’div-gpt-ad-lb-resp-cont2′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]There is good evidence that transfer of care is often problematic and carries risk of:

• Health care drop-out
• Poor treatment follow-through
• Increases in illnesses and relapses
• Increases in ER visits and hospitalizations due to diabetic ketoacidosis
• Overall poor health outcomes
• Increased costs for the health care system

As a parent or other person emotionally supporting a child or emerging adult, it is very important to understand how difficult life can be for an emerging adult who is living with diabetes and trying to become a financially-independent, healthy person. Understanding their stressors and allowing independence in their care may help with the challenges of parenting and/or providing the support they need.

What can be done to improve their care? At the time of transition and adjustment to the adult diabetes medical team, try to locate an adult health care program that is aware of the needs of this population and that provides:

• A nurturing, trusting, understanding environment
• Early detection and treatment of complications
• Management intensification: continuous contact with follow-up calls, emails or text messaging throughout the emerging adult stage
• Psychosocial support: emotional and financial
• Developmentally-based education
• More flexible hours and shorter waiting times for appointments, to accommodate the demands of part-time jobs and schooling
• Longer initial meetings with the adult diabetes team or visits prior to their transfer
• Specialized clinics for this population, which will enable these individuals to receive support from their peers

The emerging adult stage of development is a very difficult stage for any person, especially for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Showing understanding at this stage and enabling them to receive support and guidance without judgment is very important.[/vc_column_text][read-also-article article-slug=”supporting-the-psychosocial-needs-of-youth-living-with-diabetes/”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everyone who lives with diabetes can tell stories about misunderstandings that have arisen over food choices, insulin injections, finger pricking or use of diabetes devices. And most can add tales of the frustrations of dealing with people who have totally ludicrous ideas about diabetes and its effects.

Help avoid the challenges and frustrations by planning in advance how you will respond when encountering people who may be new to the disease.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][ad-slot slotcode=’div-gpt-ad-lb-resp-cont1′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve gathered the top 10 things to tell people about diabetes. Some of these ‘messages’ are most suitable for close friends or colleagues, while others are helpful for everyone you meet on a fairly regular basis. Use your discretion to pick the right messages for the people in your world.

1.  Close to 12 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes. It is a chronic disease that requires careful management. For the most part, though, I can live a relatively normal life with diabetes, and don’t need to be coddled.

2.  Blood glucose highs and lows can occur, and I may not always be in a condition to respond properly if this happens. It’s important that people close to me are able to recognize the symptoms and take the right action. Make sure family members, close friends and colleagues know where your glucose tablets (or alternatives) and/or glucagon (if indicated) are located.[/vc_column_text][read-also-article article-slug=”6-best-practices-to-manage-low-blood-sugar-emergencies”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][ad-slot slotcode=’div-gpt-ad-lb-resp-cont2′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]3.  I will sometimes need to check blood glucose levels and/or give myself insulin or other medication injections. This is not a big deal – please don’t look shocked or draw attention to it. If you are a student, be sure to tell school personnel about any diabetes supplies or devices that you will use.

4. Please respect my privacy and avoid telling everyone you meet about my diabetes. Leave the responsibility to me to talk to the people who might need to know.

5. Understand that I may graze on small snacks during the day. This is part of my diabetes management meal plan and helps me keep my blood glucose levels within target.

6.  I appreciate your encouragement and support, but please don’t keep on at me all the time about my diabetes management. I am the person in control of my diabetes. No one else can do it, and nagging won’t help anyone. For more helpful tips on this topic, check out our article How to deal with the ‘diabetes police’.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][ad-slot slotcode=’div-gpt-ad-lb-resp-cont3′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]7.  If I need your involvement or extra support with my diabetes management, I promise that I will let you know.

8. Don’t look shocked if I occasionally have a small portion of a sugary food like cake. There are no ‘forbidden foods’ in my diabetes diet and I am sometimes able to allow for sugary or other high carb foods within my daily meal plan.

9. Don’t assume I can’t drink alcohol. Most people with diabetes are advised to follow the same recommendations for alcohol consumption as people without diabetes.

10. Please consider joining me in healthy lifestyle habits. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are good for everyone, and having a buddy on the journey makes everything more fun.[/vc_column_text][read-also-article article-slug=”diabetes-support-from-friends-and-family”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Join our free weekly newsletter and get diabetes-friendly recipes, exercise ideas, educational articles and much more![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]