The Diabetes Transition Study for Young People Aged Between 16-20 Years of Age.

Study Into the Use of a Diabetes Specialist Transition Nurse in the Care of Young People With Type 1 Diabetes Undergoing Transition From the Paediatric to the Adult Services, at the Northampton General Hospital

Study into the use of a diabetes specialist transition nurse in the care of young people aged 16-20 years, with type 1 diabetes; undergoing transition from the paediatric to the adult diabetes services at the Northampton General Hospital

Does the use of a structured diabetes transition program in the care of young people transitioning from the paediatric to the adult diabetes services at Northampton General Hospital improve the study group mean HbA1C, reduce the number of diabetes related hospital episodes and increase attendance at the adult diabetes clinic following transition to the adult service?

Inclusion Criteria:

• established type 1 diabetes for minimum of 1 year
• attended the Northampton general Hospital, children's and young peoples diabetes service for at least 6 months prior to transition
• between the ages of 16 - 20 years
• ability to participate in all aspects of the trial
• written informed consent must be obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

• any condition which may interfere with the subjects ability to participate in the study including cystic-fibrosis related diabetes
• subjects who move away from the Northampton General Hospital clinic during the transition process
• those unable to give informed consent