Research

Helmsley Type 1 Diabetes Transition “Let’s Empower and Prepare” (LEAP) Program

Adolescence is a period of many physical, social, and psychological changes, and maintaining control of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and understanding the healthcare system is often not a priority. Diabetes-related health outcomes worsen during adolescence, with poor adherence to insulin therapy and blood glucose testing and poor glycemic control being common among this group. The LEAP transition education curriculum is based primarily on Self-Determination Theory, predominantly in promoting the autonomous motivation of adolescents with diabetes to engage in beneficial self-care activities. The project as outlined, in the specific aims, consists of the development and implementation of a empowerment-based transition program for adolescents and young adults with T1D known as LEAP, “Let’s Empower and Prepare.” The study was divided into 2 phases: Developmental Phase, 1 year and Implementation Phase, 2 years. The study examined the efficacy of a new process of care aimed at empowering adolescents from underserved urban communities.