Work

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with intellectual disabilities: Examining incidence, risk factors, quality of care and related complications. A population-based matched cohort study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS: People with intellectual disabilities are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but there are currently gaps in our understanding related to risk of new onset, care of T2DM and complications. METHODS: We examined electronic health-record data from Jan 2010 to May 2022 in 189,172 people with intellectual disabilities and 306,697 age, sex and family practice matched controls. We estimated incidence rates per 1,000-person-years, incidence rate ratios (IRRs), risk factors for T2DM (odds ratio, OR), indicators of quality of care and complications (hazard ratio, HR). RESULTS: Incidence of T2DM in people with intellectual disabilities was 3.74 compared to 2.21 per 1,000 person-years in controls. After allowing for the younger age of T2DM onset in intellectual disabilities, the adjusted IRR was 6.91 (95 % CI 5.81-8.22). Impaired mobility was associated with T2DM incidence in people with intellectual disabilities (OR = 7.72, 5.87-10.15). People with intellectual disabilities received blood tests for HbA1c and cholesterol, and eye and foot examinations less often; and had a 12 % higher risk of developing macrovascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: People with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of T2DM at younger ages, have specific risk factors, experience inequities in care and are at risk for macrovascular complications.

Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112090