A study examined type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related avoidable mortality among individuals with developmental disabilities, using national claims data. The research focused on people over 30 diagnosed with T2DM from 2012 to 2016, comparing their outcomes with those of individuals with other disabilities and non-disabled controls.

Results indicated that T2DM-related avoidable mortality rates for individuals with developmental disabilities were 0.05%, 0.23%, and 0.55% at one, three, and five years post-diagnosis, respectively. These figures were lower than those for individuals with severe disabilities but higher than for non-disabled individuals. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant difference in one-year mortality between those with developmental disabilities and non-disabled individuals. However, at three years, the risk for individuals with developmental disabilities was significantly higher (odds ratio of 4.84), and it remained elevated at five years (odds ratio of 3.82). Compared to those with mild disabilities, the five-year risk was also greater (odds ratio of 2.41).

The findings underscore the need for improved healthcare access and targeted interventions to address the higher T2DM-related mortality risks in individuals with developmental disabilities.