Diabetes Among Adults with Cognitive Limitations Compared to Individuals with No Disabilities in the US

Objective: To examine the diabetes prevalence rate and associated quality of care indicators for individuals with cognitive limitations (CL) in comparison to individuals with no disability.

Methods: We compared the diabetes prevalence rate of working aged adults (18-65) with CL to individuals with no disability using a retrospective analysis of the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) 2006 full year consolidated data file. 

Results: Adults with CL experienced diabetes at a significantly higher rate than individuals with no disability (19.4% vs. 3.8%, respectively).  The difference in prevalence increased with increased age.  Although they were not more likely to be overweight than diabetics with no disability, individuals with CL were significantly more likely to be obese (71.6% vs. 56.1%).  Moreover, obese diabetics with CL had higher average BMI than obese diabetics with no disability.

Conclusion: Very few studies have investigated the prevalence of diabetes among individuals with cognitive limitations, especially at the national level. The disparities and high prevalence rates this study exposed demonstrate an imperative to increase primary and secondary prevention of diabetes and obesity and improve education and disease management for individuals with cognitive limitations.