Transition to adult diabetes care for young adults with type 2 diabetes: Challenge and opportunity.

Transition from pediatric to adult care is a critical period for young adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study included a retrospective chart review of 139 patients aged 17-25 years with T2DM followed in pediatric endocrinology between 2021 and 2022. Patients were categorized as transitioned to adult care, remained in pediatric care, or lost to follow-up. Of the cohort, 33.8% transitioned to adult care, 27.3% remained in pediatric care, and 38.9% were lost to follow-up. Among those who transitioned to adult care, 48.9% established care with family medicine, 27.7% with adult endocrinology, and 23.4% with internal medicine. The mean time to transition to adult care was 19.9 ± 19.3 months, and mean HbA1c at first adult visit was 8.9 ± 3.1%. Nearly 40% of young adults were lost to follow-up, and transitions to adult care were characterized by prolonged gaps in care, suggesting the need for structured transition pathways.