What Are The 4 Types Of Community Health Nursing - Disability Care

Autism and Diabetes

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Individuals with autism and diabetes may face unique challenges and may leverage conventional strengths to manage effectively, while requiring tailored support and accessible healthcare to address sensory sensitivities and social cognitive needs.

Here is a more detailed analysis of how autism and diabetes intersect and how they can be managed:

Autism and Diabetes within the disability sector

Challenges and considerations:

  • Sensory Sensitivity:

People with autism often have heightened or different sensory experiences, which can affect tolerance of diabetes management    procedures such as glucose monitoring via finger pricks or injections.

  • Communication differences:

Some people with autism may have difficulty expressing their needs, feelings, or concerns about diabetes, which may affect their adherence to treatment plans.

  • Routine and structure:

While people with autism often rely on routine, unexpected disruptions to established routines can present challenges, which is important to recognize when managing a condition like diabetes that requires flexibility.

  • Anxiety and stress:

Managing diabetes can be stressful, and people with autism may experience higher levels of anxiety, especially when faced with disruptions to daily life or unexpected challenges.

 

  • Food and sensory aversions:

Some people with autism may have sensory preferences or aversions to food, which can create challenges when choosing foods that are healthy and suitable for diabetes management.

  • Increased risk of comorbidities:

People with autism may be at higher risk for other health problems, including certain cardiovascular and metabolic issues.

  • Early intervention:

Early detection and intervention can help improve diabetes management outcomes for   people with autism.

  • Tailored education:

Diabetes education should be tailored to each person’s specific needs and abilities, with an emphasis on clear communication and visual supports.

  • Ongoing support:

Ongoing support from healthcare professionals, family members, and other caregivers is essential for long-term diabetes management.

 

Reference:

Tromans, S, Yao, G, Alexander, R, Mukaetova-adinska, E, Kiani, R, AiUzri, M, Chester, V, Carr, R, Morgan, Z, Vounzoulaki, E & Brugha, 2020, ‘The Prevalence of Diabetes in Autistic Persons: A Systematic Review’, Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health,

https://clinical-practice-and-epidemiology-in-mental-health.com/.

Autism Speaks, 2025, Tips for autistic adults managing diabetes,

Tips for autistic adults managing diabetes | Autism Speaks.