The AHEAD Program

Achieving Health in Emerging Adults with Diabetes (AHEAD) Program

The University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute (UWMDI) with the support of the Division of Endocrinology at Seattle Children’s has created a state-of-the-art program to integrate emerging adults into adult diabetes care.

The AHEAD Program features a multidisciplinary care team of medical providers (adult and pediatric diabetes providers), diabetes nurse educators, a psychologist, a dietitian, and a social worker. The primary focus of the team is to address the unique challenges that arise during emerging adulthood and prepare adolescents and young adults for a successful life of managing diabetes independently.

What is a Supported Transition and Why is it Important?

A health care transition is the planned and purposeful movement of young adults from child-centered to adult-oriented care systems. A successful transition from pediatric to adult care for youth with diabetes supports them in establishing lifelong healthy behaviors. There are significant differences in the patient experience between pediatric and adult health care. Pediatric care is typically holistic and family focused with longer visits that frequently incorporate resources from on-site social work and psychology. In contrast, visits in adult care are often shorter and more medically-focused with fewer resources available to immediately address any psychological or financial needs. Lack of transition support can lead to less engagement in diabetes management, worsening of psychological challenges, and loss of medical follow up putting youth at risk for developing both short-term and long-term complications from diabetes.