Lack of consideration of socioeconomic factors in transition programme of adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review

The transition of adolescents with type 1 diabetes should be organized such that loss of follow-up and deterioration of patients' metabolic control are minimized.

Objective: Our study aimed to ascertain whether socioeconomic status is featured in the characteristics of adolescents with type 1 diabetes in transition programmes and their inclusion in transition programmes.

Research design and methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA recommendations. All articles published between 2010 and 2023 were considered. Studies that described a transition programme for adolescents or young adults with T1DM were included.

Results: After screening, 18 studies were included. Different transition programmes were proposed (exchanges between professionals, coordinators, and transition clinics). Nine articles described socio-economic factors. The educational level was the most frequently reported. Only three studies evaluated the impact of one parameter on transition success: a lower education level was associated with more hospital visits for hyperglycaemia, and the other did not report any socioeconomic factor associated with clinic attendance.

Conclusions: The socioeconomic status of type 1 diabetes is poorly described in transition programmes, and the few that do make mention of it, offer little information about patient management.