Transitioning Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes to Campus Life

• There is an increasing number of individuals with chronic conditions entering college
• Type 1 diabetes is expected to rise among those < 20 years of age
• College students are poorly equipped to handle the unpredictability of campus life
• APRNs must educate those with type 1 diabetes regarding transitioning to campus life

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is expected to increase over the next 40 years among those < 20 years of age. This increases the number of college students matriculating with the diagnosis of T1D. The advance practice nurse plays a crucial role in safely transitioning young adults with T1D to campus life at college, not only to ensure proper diabetes management but also mental health well-being. Components of campus life are reviewed to show how advanced practice registered nurses may collaborate with young adults with diabetes to create a successful plan for management of their condition as they transition to college.