Vol. 3 No. 3

Review Articles

Transition Experiences of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes from Pediatric to Adult Care: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Published 2026-05-31

  • Wanhui Yu
    • ,
  • Ziheng Jin
    • ,
  • Hui Li
    • ,
  • Cheng Chi
    • ,
  • Bing Liu
    • ,
  • Shuang Wang
    • ,
  • Haiya Sun

Wanhui Yu
Jining Medical University image/svg+xml

Ziheng Jin


Hui Li
Jining Medical University image/svg+xml

Cheng Chi
Jining Medical University image/svg+xml

Bing Liu
Jining Medical University image/svg+xml

Shuang Wang
Jining Medical University image/svg+xml

Haiya Sun
Jining Medical University image/svg+xml

Abstract

Background: Effective long-term management of type 1 diabetes requires adolescents to transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services. This process is often accompanied by complex emotions, changing attitudes, and multiple challenges. Understanding adolescents’ experiences during this period may help identify transition-related barriers and support a smoother transfer of care.

Objective: To explore the perceptions, experiences, and attitudes of adolescents with type 1 diabetes during the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services.

Design: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis.

Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL were searched from inception to October 2025 using pre-specified search terms. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Qualitative findings were extracted and synthesized using the JBI meta-aggregation approach.

Results: Twelve studies were included. Three synthesized themes were identified: diverse attitudes and emotions toward transition; challenges during the transition process; and recommendations and expectations for improving transition care. Five subthemes were graded as having high confidence and three as having moderate confidence. The findings indicate that transition experiences are shaped by emotional uncertainty, increasing self-management demands, discontinuity in care, and unmet expectations regarding adult services.

Conclusions: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes experience multiple barriers during the transition to adult healthcare services. These barriers are closely related to the transfer of disease-management responsibility, difficulties adapting to self-care, and insufficient support from healthcare providers, families, and peers. Strengthened transitional support may improve continuity of care and reduce transition-related difficulties.

Keywords

Adolescents, Young adults, Experiences, Transition, Type 1 diabetes

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