Victoria B. Nicksic, MD; Whitney N. Beaton, MSN; Gretchen S. Forbes, RN; A. Laurel Cornelius, FNP; Timothy S. Markle, MA; M. Tracy Bekx, MD
WMJ. 2026;125(4):506-508. Published November 1, 2026.
ABSTRACT
Background: The transition from pediatric to adult care is particularly complex for adolescents with type 1 diabetes because of the demands of diabetes self-management. Transition readiness assessments can provide education, support autonomy, and individualize care; however, limited time and resources may hinder implementation of an optimal transition process. Partnerships between health care and education systems may extend the multidisciplinary transition team into the school setting.
Methods: This study assessed the feasibility of implementing a school-based diabetes transition readiness assessment using a diabetes-specific tool and evaluated changes in student participation over a 2-year period.
Results: Integrating school nurses into the diabetes transition team was feasible. With targeted promotion and program refinements, student participation increased by 68% in Year 2 compared with Year 1.
Conclusions: A school-based diabetes transition readiness assessment using the Readiness of Emerging Adults with Diabetes Diagnosed in Youth (READDY) tool was feasible and associated with increased student participation over time. This model may represent a promising community-based approach to support transition readiness among adolescents with type 1 diabetes.