Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3822

Introduction: The transition period from pediatric to adult diabetology is particularly critical. Transferring care to adult services is often associated with a deterioration in glycemic control. We aimed to assess glycemic control among type 1 diabetics during this transition phase.

Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study involving 100 type 1 diabetic patients initially followed in pediatrics before transitioning to the endocrinology-diabetology department at CHU Ibn Rochd. Data were collected on glycemic balance, follow-up regularity, and treatment adherence at the time of transition and afterward, from January 2021 to September 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software.

Results: The average age of our patients was 16 years (range: 14 to 18), with a female predominance (56%). The duration of diabetes was approximately 5 years, and the transition occurred at an average age of 14 years. Transition announcements were made by pediatricians for all our patients. The interval between referral and the first consultation was less than three weeks. Patients attended an average of 3.3 consultations per year at the start of the transition, and 2.1 consultations per year afterward. All patients were on a basal-bolus insulin regimen, with 14% using human insulin and 86% using insulin analogs, and performed approximately four capillary blood glucose tests per day. the average Hba1c was 10.1% before the transition and 9.23% afterward (P< 0.001). Nine patients were hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis due to treatment discontinuation after the transition. Regarding degenerative complications, 11 patients exhibited diabetic retinopathy at the time of transition.

Conclusion: The transition from pediatric to adult diabetology is a critical phase for type 1 diabetic patients. Our study highlights a decline in medical follow-up. However, the observed reduction in HbA1C levels demonstrates the potential for modest improvement. These findings underline the need to strengthen support and coordination between pediatric and adult services to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life of young patients.