Aims: There are currently 14,755 young people with diabetes (YPWD) aged 14 – 24 years living in Australia. This is often a time of tremendous change for individuals and the transition from adolescent to adult healthcare is not made smoothly.

The aim of the survey is to identify issues faced by YPWD as they transition. The results of the survey will inform the development of future service provision and activities to decrease the number of YPWD ‘dropping out’ of the healthcare system.

Method: An online and telephone survey was developed, exploring a range of topics including engagement with healthcare professionals, communication issues and preferences, and preferred programs to assist with transition.

A letter of invitation to take part in the study was mailed to 3,706 NDSS registrants aged 14 – 24 years living in Victoria and Tasmania. Registrants could opt out by calling a telephone number provided. Surveys were completed using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing and an online data collection platform. 

Results: A total of 1,436 respondents aged 14 – 24 years took part in the survey (54% male). Half (53%) reported attending a diabetes clinic. Most (61%) attending clinic reported never discussing transition with their healthcare professional. Only 24% felt completely prepared to transition to an adult setting. Transition programs were viewed favourably with the majority (91%) of respondents positive about a transition liaison coordinator program and most (76%) saying they would use the program if offered.

Conclusions: A substantial proportion of YPWD had never spoken about transition with a healthcare professional. Programs developed to assist with transition, including transition plans and transition liaison coordinators would be utilised by YPWD. Additionally, materials developed need to focus on areas of interest, such as sexual health, healthcare costs, alcohol and mental health.  New media and social media platforms should be considered to disseminate this information.