Trial results for an intervention aimed at improving health communication during the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care in Type 1 Diabetes patients were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-05-05. The intervention group experienced 2 diabetes-related hospitalizations compared to 4 in the standard care group, and achieved their first adult care visit in a mean of 94.72 days, faster than the 105.82 days for standard care.
Background
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 17-23 with Type 1 Diabetes are at increased risk for negative health outcomes, including poor glycemic control and disengagement from the healthcare system, particularly during the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care. This period often coincides with the assumption of independent self-care responsibilities. Effective communication between AYAs and their healthcare providers is considered a critical factor in developing diabetes self-care skills and maintaining glycemic control during this transition.
Trial design
The trial, which was not assigned a phase, enrolled 52 subjects. It focused on individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. The intervention arm, referred to as the PREP-DC Intervention, aimed to better prepare adolescents for adult diabetes care by improving health communication. This was compared against a Standard Care Comparison arm.
Key results
The study reported on several key measurements:
- Hemoglobin A1c:
- For the PREP-DC Intervention group, the mean A1c was 7.988% (Standard Deviation 1.996).
- For the Standard Care Comparison group, the mean A1c was 8.025% (Standard Deviation 1.345).
- Number of Days to First Adult Diabetes Care Visit:
- Participants in the PREP-DC Intervention group had a mean of 94.72 days (Standard Deviation 43.83).
- Participants in the Standard Care Comparison group had a mean of 105.82 days (Standard Deviation 27.48).
- Adherence to the Diabetes Care Regimen:
- The PREP-DC Intervention group showed a mean DMQ total score of 73.03 (Standard Deviation 15.75).
- The Standard Care Comparison group showed a mean DMQ total score of 71.68 (Standard Deviation 13.72).
- Diabetes-related Hospitalizations:
- The PREP-DC Intervention group reported 2 diabetes-related hospitalizations or emergency department visits.
- The Standard Care Comparison group reported 4 diabetes-related hospitalizations or emergency department visits.
What this means
The PREP-DC communication intervention appears to facilitate a smoother and potentially safer transition for adolescents and young adults with Type 1 Diabetes moving into adult care. The observed reduction in diabetes-related hospitalizations (2 vs 4) and the quicker initiation of the first adult diabetes care visit (mean of 94.72 days vs 105.82 days) suggest practical benefits. While differences in Hemoglobin A1c and adherence scores were minor, the positive trends in hospitalization rates and transition timing are notable for improving outcomes during this critical period of care.
Source
The information for these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT03734107, titled "Improving Health Communication During the Transition From Pediatric to Adult Diabetes Care", were posted on 2026-05-05 on clinicaltrials.gov.