P136 Engaging the disengaged and in danger: Emergency admission follow-up in a young adult diabetes service

Published Date: 16th April 2024

Publication Authors: Sullivan. H, Balafshan. T, Keigan. S, Galagher. C, Wilson. A, Taylor. J, Shamsaldeen. M, Omer. M, Michaels. S

Introduction
The time of transition for a young adult with diabetes is a challenging time and many different factors can contribute towards difficulties in managing their diabetes.

The same challenges can result in reduced engagement with their secondary care diabetes teams, and subsequently they can miss out on additional support when needed most, including consideration of new technologies to support them in their diabetes management.

Aim
The aim of the study was to identify young adults within out area who have been admitted to hospital with a DKA in the past year, in order to offer them face to face support irrespective of their previous levels of engagement.

Method(s)
Fifteen patients were admitted with DKA and one patient admitted with a severe hypoglycaemia to MWL Acute Trust between April 2022 and April 2023.

Appointments via letter and follow-up phone call were provided to all patients within our catchments and GP letters sent to those external to the trust.

Result(s)
Sixteen patients identified, with median HbA1c 116, eight patients were using flash/CGM monitoring, and all patients known to the department had a history of previous non-attendance. Three patients were out of the area. Eight patients subsequently attended, five did not. Dramatic improvement in HbA1c was seen in four patients, one patient engaged with clinical psychology, three patients began process of commencing a pump and one patient upgraded to Hybrid closed loop.

Conclusion(s)
It is never too late to engage with our young adult population and improvements can be made, but there is still those that we cannot reach, for which we may need to think outside the box.

Sullivan, H; Balafshan, T; Keigan, S; Galagher, C; Wilson, A; Taylor, J; Shamsaldeen, M; Omer, M; Michaels, S. (2024). P136 Engaging the disengaged and in danger: Emergency admission follow-up in a young adult diabetes service. Diabetic Medicine. 41(Supplement 1). [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dme.15296 [Accessed 8 January 2026]