Preventing and Treating Diabetes in Canadian Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Despite emerging evidence that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have a high prevalence of diabetes, Canada does not have a strategy to address diabetes in this population. The aim of this review was to review effective health policies and practices to improve diabetes prevention and management developed by other jurisdictions in response to the high prevalence of diabetes among individuals with IDD. To do so, a narrative literature review was conducted based on 18 studies, in addition to 3 examples of resources, 2 systematic reviews, the Canadian diabetes guidelines, the UK diabetes guidelines and Kachika's "NHS RightCare Pathway" report. Consistent with the "Diabetes 360°: A Framework for a Diabetes Strategy for Canada" report, findings were summarized under 3 themes: 1) diabetes prevention and health promotion, 2) diabetes screening and 3) diabetes self-management. We also identified 2 additional areas that cut across all 3 of the themes: 1) diabetes health literacy and 2) role of carers in prevention, screening and treatment efforts. Our review identifies strategies to meet the unique needs of people with IDD who have diabetes, in order to encourage Canadian initiatives to address these needs.