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Type 2 Diabetes-Related Avoidable Mortality Risk Among Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: A Comparison With
Nan-He Yoon1, Jongnam Hwang1, Jongho Heo2,3
1Division of Social Welfare and Health Administration, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|December 6, 2025
Summary
Individuals with developmental disabilities face higher avoidable mortality from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Targeted interventions are crucial to improve T2DM care and reduce preventable deaths in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant health concern globally.
- Individuals with developmental disabilities often experience disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
- Understanding T2DM-related mortality in this population is crucial for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related avoidable mortality in individuals with developmental disabilities.
- To compare these mortality outcomes with those of individuals with other disabilities and non-disabled controls.
- To identify potential disparities in healthcare for individuals with developmental disabilities and T2DM.
Main Methods:
- Utilized de-identified national health insurance claims data merged with mortality statistics.
- Included individuals over 30 diagnosed with T2DM between 2012-2016, with developmental disabilities.
- Matched controls (non-disabled, mild, severe disabilities) were selected; T2DM-related avoidable mortality was assessed using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- T2DM-related avoidable mortality rates at 1, 3, and 5 years post-diagnosis were 0.05%, 0.23%, and 0.55% for the developmental disability group.
- While 1-year mortality showed no significant difference, 3-year (OR=4.84) and 5-year (OR=3.82) mortality risks were significantly higher compared to non-disabled individuals.
- The 5-year mortality risk was also higher compared to individuals with mild disabilities (OR=2.41).
Conclusions:
- Individuals with developmental disabilities experience significantly higher T2DM-related avoidable mortality compared to non-disabled and mild disability groups.
- These findings highlight critical gaps in healthcare accessibility for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Strengthening targeted interventions and support services is essential to reduce avoidable deaths and improve health outcomes.
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