Introduction and aim: Transition (T) from pediatric to adult healthcare represents a critical step in life of young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This period is associated with several psychosocial adjustments and is a paradigm shift from family-centered to self-managed care. Aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial factors in youths with T1D consecutively enrolled in Verona Diabetes Transition Project (VDTP), an ongoing structured transition program, designed and realized in a joint between pediatric and adult clinic. Methods: Two years before the T (at age 16) a set of validated psychological questionnaires was administered to assess the profile of mood state, diabetes distress, eating disorders, body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms in 77 (M/F=38/39) youths with T1D (mean±SD: BMI: 23.5±4.2 kg/m2, HbA1c: 7.4±0.8%, duration of diabetes: 9.9±3.8 years). At T (age 18) the same questionnaires were administered in 30 youths. Results: Two years before T, girls showed higher score of depressive symptoms (6.6±8.0 vs 11.7±8.5; p<0.001), of eating disorder (4.4±5.0 vs 0.9±7.6; p<0.001), of body dissatisfaction (6.6±8.0 vs 16.3±11.2; p<0.001) and of emotional state (12.4±28.9 vs 37.0±38.4; p=0.002) than boys. At T (18 years old), the score of mood state was worsened (44.6±10.3 vs 50.7±10.0, p=0.01) and glucose control was deteriorated (7.3±0.8 vs 7.7±1.1, p=0.02), compared to two years before T. Conclusion: These data heightened emotional distress in youths enrolled in VDTP through the time of preparation to T from pediatric to adult healthcare and underline the importance of providing psychological support during this fraught life stage.