Transition in diabetes: young people move on – we should too

Adolescence is a period of rapid biological, psychological and social development. These changes coincide with the move from paediatric to adult healthcare systems and reciprocally impact on successful self-management and healthcare behaviours. In this review we focus on ‘healthcare transition’, redefining it to encompass more than the process of physically moving between services, reflecting the need for all services to provide ongoing developmentally appropriate healthcare to adolescents and young adults. We discuss key research in neurological, developmental and cognitive changes that contribute to our understanding of young people's decision-making, emotional and behavioural responses and the reciprocal relationship with diabetes and self-care. We highlight UK guidance and summarize emerging evidence that identifies components of existing transition provision, as well as what is missing. We conclude by suggesting some key issues for practice and training that will help health professionals improve their consultations with young people as they move on into adulthood. It is time to stop reviewing ‘what?, why? and when? in transition’ and move on alongside the young people we work with.