Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Type 1 diabetes has traditionally been studied as a chronic illness of childhood. However, young adulthood is a critical time for the development and integration of lifelong diabetes management skills, and research is starting to identify unique challenges faced by youth with diabetes as they age into adulthood. Most young adults experience multiple transitions during this unstable developmental period, including changes in lifestyle e.
Young adults with type 1 diabetes must navigate these transitions while also assuming increasing responsibility for their diabetes care and overall health. Despite these critical health and psychosocial concerns, there is a notable lack of evidence-based clinical services and supports for young adults with type 1 diabetes.
We review relevant evolving concerns for young adults with type 1 diabetes, including lifestyle considerations, health care transitions, psychosocial needs, and changes in supportive networks, and how type 1 diabetes impacts and is impacted by these key developmental considerations. Specific avenues for intervention and future research are offered. Keywords: adherence, glycemic control, support systems, transition to adult medical care, type 1 diabetes, young adulthood.
Current estimates suggest that up to 3 million youth and adults in the United States are living with type 1 diabetes. The vast majority of research addresses the needs of youth and has failed to focus on or follow youth into adulthood.
As this review will highlight, management of type 1 diabetes in young adulthood brings a unique set of challenges and considerations that require further study. Young adulthood represents a critical period of risk for those with type 1 diabetes. Young adults with type 1 diabetes are also at disproportionate risk for overweight or obesity, which poses additional health risks [ 4 β 6 ].
