24 November 2022

Teenagers with diabetes have been getting expert advice about living with the condition as they move into adulthood.

About 20 young people attended a special evening drop-in session run by NHS staff from Frimley Park Hospital. 

The event at St Mary’s Church, Frimley, on 1 November covered topics such as going to university, adult diabetes courses, food, mental health support, alcohol safety, driving with type 1 diabetes, foot care and managing diabetes at work. 

It also helped the young people understand the changes they will notice as their care moves from the hospital’s paediatric teams to its adult services. 

Nicola Birchmore, paediatric diabetes nurse specialist, said: “Transitioning to adult services can be a nerve-racking and challenging journey for young people, and it often takes place at a time when they face many other changes and challenges – from school exams, college and going to university to relationships and steps toward independence. When you add a chronic condition into this, it can feel scary and overwhelming.” 

The ‘Transitioning to adult services’ event was the first run by Frimley Park’s paediatric and adult diabetes teams and included expert input from professionals including adult and paediatric nurses, dietitians, consultants, local mental health services and podiatrists.  

The teenagers, who were all aged 15 and above, earned points for discussing diabetes with their peers and medical professionals, and collected stamps for completing each topic. Prizes were donated by local residents and the paediatric diabetes team.