Appendix 40 - Diabetes and Down Syndrome
Type 1 diabetes is more common in people who have Down’s syndrome. This is a condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Children who have Down’s syndrome tend to develop diabetes earlier than other children in the general population.
It is managed with regular blood monitoring and insulin injections. With modern pen injectors this is quite easy. Many people who have Down’s syndrome learn to administer insulin themselves, as part of their daily routine. Some people who have Down’s syndrome will develop type 2 diabetes. This is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs or the insulin is not used effectively by the body’s cells.
It is often associated with growing older and being overweight. However, type 2 diabetes is now being found in children in the general population. A USA clinic for people who have Down’s syndrome has reported seeing a 15-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes. It is usually managed through lifestyle changes such as exercise and changes in diet. Medication and insulin may also be prescribed.
The symptoms of diabetes may be subtle and come on gradually. People may not be able to recognise or tell you about their symptoms. Behaviour changes may indicate that something is wrong for the person you support. These are some of the main symptoms of diabetes to look out for:
Increased thirst (polydipsia)
Passing urine more often – especially at night (polyuria)
Extreme tiredness
Weight loss (in Type 1 diabetes)
Blurred vision
See our diabetes resource below for further information. If you have concerns about diabetes and the person you support, make an appointment with their doctor.