Making reasonable adjustments to diabetes services for people with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities are more likely to have diabetes than the general population and need more support to manage the condition, but, conversely, this group is less likely to get good diabetes care. Access to services can be improved by altering the services to meet individual needs (reasonable adjustments) – something that public sector organisations have a duty to do under the 2010 Equality Act. While a number of good practice examples exist, much still needs to be done, and nurses working in the field have an important role to play. Where possible, people with learning disabilities should be supported to manage their diabetes and accessible information should be readily available to facilitate understanding. Specialist learning disability services are an excellent source of knowledge, and working with them to provide tailored education and support can be very effective. Implementing a culture of reasonable adjustments may also benefit other people who struggle to access services.

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