People with a learning disability are more likely to have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes than the general population. We also know that:
- People wit
h a learning disability are more likely to be obese than the general population. - People with a learning disability have lower levels of physical activity
- Higher rates of obesity and lower levels of physical activity increase the risk of diabetes.
Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers are required to make reasonable adjustments to address the additional needs of people with a learning disability. Even so, people with a learning disability often face barriers in accessing and using health services.
A collaborative team funded by The Health Foundation and the University of Leeds has created a set of evidence-informed, practical resources that can help overcome some of these barriers. The new resources help commissioners and health practitioners to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to the care they provide to people with diabetes breaking down barriers for people with a learning disability.
You can find
the resources on Diabetes UK’s shared practice page, www.diabetes.org.uk/learning-disability
Let the team know what you think of the resources on twitter using #RA2Diabetes
If you would like further information on the resources, please contact the team at: medrema@leeds.ac.uk.
