Supporting people with learning disabilities to manage their diabetes with insulin
Authors: Beresford, C.
Journal: Journal of Diabetes Nursing
Publisher: SB Communications Group
ISSN: 1368-1109
Abstract:People with learning disabilities are more likely to have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and to experience inequalities accessing healthcare and diabetes education. For everyone with type 1 diabetes, and some people with type 2 diabetes, insulin is an important part of managing their condition. Insulin use requires education, support and skills for safe and effective management. Reasonable adjustments to care are required to ensure that people with learning disabilities are appropriately supported to manage their diabetes with insulin, and have the opportunity to be as autonomous as possible. There are constraints to practical support with insulin administration for people with learning disabilities, which insulin delegation projects go some way to address. This article considers how diabetes management with insulin in people with learning disabilities can be facilitated, and explores areas for further research.
Source: Manual