Diabetes in America: Facing the ID/DD Population

Where do people with ID/DD fit in with treatment and care?

Diabetes in America affects over 37 million people. (1)  Prediabetes affects 96 million people. (1)  With the number of people in the millions, it is a disease that cannot be ignored.  Concerning statistics it is difficult to find the exact number of people with ID/DD alone.  However, the CDC reported the following:

”About 1 in 6 people with disabilities (16.2%) in the United States in 2020 had been diagnosed with diabetes, compared to 1 in 14 people without disabilities (7.5%).   Differences are also observed across various states, races/ethnicities, and age groups. For example, diabetes is more common among people with disabilities who live in Mississippi (about 1 in 5 or 18.8%) compared to those who live in South Dakota (about 1 in 10 or 10.1%).” (2) 

Although people with disabilities are at times referred to as a “single” population, remember, it is a very diverse group of people.  Their care and support may need a wide range of needs. It is important to not “block” everyone in the same category.  Diabetic care for those with disabilities should not be less than those without disabilities. Considering the numbers of those diagnosed with diabetes, all of us should be searching for ways to assist people with disabilities. We need to commit to help people keep blood sugars within physician orders, prevent complications, and live their lives to the fullest.

Fast Facts on Diabetes (1)

Diabetes

• Total: 37.3 million people have diabetes (11.3% of the US population)
• Diagnosed: 28.7 million people, including 28.5 million adults
• Undiagnosed: 8.5 million people (23.0% of adults are undiagnosed)

Prediabetes

• Total: 96 million people aged 18 years or older have prediabetes (38.0% of the adult US population).
• 65 years or older: 26.4 million people aged 65 years or older (48.8%) have prediabetes.

The map below shows the number of diabetics in America as well as obesity numbers.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to get numbers across the country for those with ID/DD with diabetes alone. That said, it is gravely important to support and educate people with disabilities to provide appropriate care. 

So how can we help people with ID/DD who have diabetes or prediabetes?

Start with the following tips.

Educate yourself.  Be aware of what diabetes pathology entails as well as signs/symptoms. In addition, get education on how to assist with lifestyle needs as well as any pharmacological intervention.  Keep up with new treatments/medications that are available.

Be patient.  A diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes changes a person’s lifestyle.  It may be difficult at times to understand all aspects of diabetes.  People with diabetes may have trouble understanding the diagnosis and this may cause some stress. It may seem like you reiterate the same information time and time again, but people with ID/DD may need continued support to understand the diagnosis and their treatment. Be patient with someone with diabetes.

Educate, don’t dictate.  When supporting a person with diabetes avoid dictating.  Meaning, don’t dictate to someone to wear white socks and appropriate shoes, education goes a long way.  Explain what types of complications can occur when not following physician orders. 

Document.  Documentation is very important for continuity of care, as well as satisfying legal obligations. Document any education that you provide as well as someone’s choice after education. 

Take care of yourself.  Caring for someone with diabetes can be challenging.  Keep in mind that everyone has different levels of being able to understand diabetes as well as the treatment needed.  You may need to talk with others or even take a break.  But it is important not to take out frustration on the person/people you support. 

Communicate your support.  Share your support with a person who has diabetes.  If you feel frustrated, imagine how overwhelming it is for the person who has diabetes.

Walk the walk.   Diabetes does change a person’s life.  It is not appropriate to eat foods or drink fluids that may not be in a person with diabetes healthy diet in front of them. This is not saying that you can’t eat or drink what you want, but be conscious of what impact it may have on the person you support.

Diabetes is a progressive disease. As such, supporting someone with diabetes can be challenging at times. It can also be rewarding as you help delay or prevent complications.

Information/Statistic References

“National Diabetes Statistics Report.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 June 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html. Accessed October 2023

“Disability and Diabetes Prevention.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28, November 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/features/disability-and-diabetes-prevention.html. Accessed October 2023