The Problem: Transition Gaps in Type 1 Diabetes Care
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition in which the body cannot produce insulin, typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
In Canada, approximately 1 in 300 individuals aged 1-19 are living with T1D. As they transition into adulthood, individuals face increased risks of:
- Poor glycemic control
- Gaps in care continuity
- Higher rates of hospitalization and emergency visits
- Mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression
When youth transition from pediatric to adult care (typically around age 18), they are often required to assume full responsibility for managing their condition.
This transition period is associated with:
- Disruption in care relationships
- Difficulty navigating adult healthcare systems
- Reduced adherence to treatment targets
The challenge is ensuring continuity of care and supporting self-management during a high-risk transition period.
(Diabetes in Canada: Facts and figures from a public health perspective)
What is KIT?
KIT (Keeping in Touch) is a text-based chatbot designed to support adolescents and young adults (ages 17-19) with T1D as they transition from pediatric to adult care.
Developed through extensive co-design with patients and providers, KIT provides personalized education, care navigation, and self-management support.
The program includes:
- Care coordination and navigation support, including clinic onboarding, visit preparation checklists, and guidance for transitioning to adult care
- Appointment, test and prescription reminders to support continuity of care
- Self-advocacy and reflection prompts to build confidence in managing care independently
- Interactive Q&A functionality for real-time support and information
- Access to a validated library of T1D resources
- Tailored educational content, delivered proactively and based on user knowledge gaps and questionnaire responses
KIT helps bridge the gap between pediatric and adult care by providing structured, ongoing support during a critical life stage.
Outcomes
KIT is designed to:
- Improve transition readiness for adult care
- Supporting youth in developing the skills and confidence needed to manage their condition independently
- Enhance care continuity during transition
- Reducing gaps between pediatric and adult care providers
- Increase engagement with diabetes self-management
- Providing timely reminders, education, and interactive support
- Address individual knowledge gaps and barriers
- Delivering tailored information based on user inputs and needs
- Support scalable, evidence-based intervention
- Currently being evaluated through a multi-site randomized controlled trial (n=212) across 6 clinics in Ontario and Quebec
The Team
KIT was developed in collaboration with:
- University Health Network (UHN)
- Centre for Digital Therapeutics
- SickKids
In partnership with individuals with lived experience of T1D and clinical care providers.