Abstract
This literature review considers the personal and practice implications of type 1 diabetes amongst adolescents. The review is part of a wider Post Graduate study and here 25 largely qualitative articles are critically considered. The selection process and thematic review lead to the identification of the themes: ‘social and emotional transition’ and ‘service related transition’. Social and emotional transition relates to the experiences of adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. These included increased risk of anxiety, depression and eating disorders which were exasperated during the challenging adolescent period. The service related transition refers to this vulnerable group not fitting well into child or adult services and the added pressures of managing the move from one to another.
This included expectation of increased autonomy and problems of poor self-management. There are some examples of positive practice found in this review largely grounded in improved personal and service transition. The review considers problems encountered and informs professionals of gaps in practice, encompassing the distinct difficulties adolescents with type 1 diabetes may experience.