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

Abstract

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.ObjectiveOur study aimed to ascertain whether socioeconomic status is featured in the characteristics of adolescents with type 1 diabetes in transition programs and their inclusion in transition programs.Research Design and MethodsA 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 program for adolescents or young adults with T1DM were included.ResultsAfter screening, 18 studies were included. Different transition programs 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 hyperglycemia, and the other did not report any socioeconomic factor associated with clinic attendance.ConclusionsThe socioeconomic status of type 1 diabetes is poorly described in transition programs, and the few that do make mention of it, offer little information about patient management.